Which specialist performs an epidural steroid injection?

The injection places anti-inflammatory medicine into the epidural space near irritated spinal nerves. A pain physician or spine surgeon reviews your pain pattern, examination, imaging, previous care, medicines, allergies, infection risk, and bleeding risk before recommending it. The target may be in the neck, mid-back, or lower back, depending on the suspected source of nerve irritation. Image guidance helps the clinician direct the needle to the intended area.

Ask the clinic whether you need transport home, fasting, or a temporary change to medicines. Never change blood thinners or diabetes treatment without instructions from the prescribing team. Report fever, an active infection, pregnancy, allergy to contrast or medicines, and any new weakness before the procedure. Bring a list of treatments already tried and explain which activities your pain prevents.

After an injection, seek urgent care for new severe weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the inner thighs, trouble breathing, fainting, or a severe headache that worsens when upright. Contact the treating service for fever, increasing redness or drainage at the needle site, or pain that is rapidly worsening rather than settling.

Ask which spinal level will be targeted, what improvement is realistic, how long monitoring lasts, and what alternatives are available. Confirm the imaging method, medicine plan, activity guidance, follow-up arrangements, and which symptoms require immediate attention.