What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection (ESI) delivers corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. For disc herniations and nerve compression, ESIs reduce inflammation at the pain source — providing relief that allows rehabilitation to progress.

When ESIs Are Indicated

ESIs are typically considered when: conservative treatment (chiropractic, PT) hasn't provided adequate relief, MRI confirms disc herniation or nerve compression, nerve-related symptoms (radiculopathy) are present, or pain is severe enough to limit participation in rehab.

Interlaminar ESI
Injection between the laminae. Broad coverage of the targeted spinal level.
Transforaminal ESI
Targeted injection at the nerve exit foramen. More specific to individual nerve roots.
Caudal ESI
Injection through the sacral hiatus. Used for lower lumbar and sacral nerve issues.

What ESIs Mean for Your Legal Case

Epidural injections are interventional procedures — their performance documents that your pain required injection therapy beyond conservative care. This significantly supports the injury severity portion of your legal claim. MAIC documents all procedures with pre-procedure notes, procedure reports, and post-procedure assessments.

Pain management at MAIC. Board-certified interventional pain specialists. All procedures on-site. No-fault accepted. Call 866-404-MAIC.