When Are Epidural Steroid Injections the Best Choice for Chronic Neck Pain?
Mar 05, 2025
Chronic neck pain affects many people, making it difficult to find relief. Though various treatments exist, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can significantly reduce certain types of neck pain.
At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, our board-certified pain management specialist, Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, can answer any questions about ESIs, how they work, and when they may be right for you.
Epidural steroid injections provide a nonsurgical solution by delivering medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord. These injections contain a corticosteroid (a powerful anti-inflammatory) and sometimes a local anesthetic to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in the neck and surrounding areas.
By minimizing swelling and alleviating nerve irritation, ESIs improve mobility and function. It’s a minimally invasive procedure that takes place in an outpatient setting, where we carefully guide a needle into the epidural space.
Even though the idea of a needle near the spine may seem intimidating, most patients tolerate the procedure well, and it only takes a short time to complete.
We typically recommend epidural steroid injections for chronic neck pain that doesn't respond well to other conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or rest.
When the cause of neck pain is from conditions like herniated discs and spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, ESIs can be an effective treatment to reduce inflammation and provide much-needed relief.
If pain lasts for months or is intense enough to impact daily activities, we may consider an ESI. The injection can relieve radiating pain, often felt in the arms, shoulders, or upper back, which professionals link to nerve compression in the neck.
Another key reason to consider this option is if conservative treatments haven’t offered enough improvement.
Sometimes, physical therapy, over-the-counter pain medications, or lifestyle changes don’t fully address the underlying cause of chronic neck pain. In these cases, ESIs can offer significant pain relief and allow you to begin other forms of therapy, like physical therapy, to continue improving mobility and strength.
Epidural steroid injections effectively treat several conditions that cause chronic neck pain, including:
ESIs won’t cure the underlying problem, but they target the painful area to reduce inflammation, helping you move more freely and feel better. Think of them as a tool to manage pain while you work toward long-term solutions.
The duration of pain relief varies among people. Some patients feel immediate relief, while others notice improvements after a few days. Since the steroid medication reduces inflammation, pain relief may increase over time.
For some, the effects last a few weeks, while others experience relief for several months. Although ESIs effectively manage pain, they don’t fix the underlying condition. To achieve long-term relief, we may recommend a comprehensive treatment plan.
As with any medical procedure, epidural steroid injections do come with some risks. Though serious complications are rare, potential side effects can include temporary pain or discomfort at the injection site, headaches, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
Infection and bleeding are rare, but they remain a possibility. Nerve damage is another rare complication that can occur during the procedure.
Dr. Arora will carefully review your medical history and assess whether an epidural steroid injection is the right treatment for you.
ESIs work best as one piece of your overall treatment plan. Though they won't solve your pain forever, they can help you feel better and enjoy life more while you work on long-term solutions.
Call the office, or book an appointment online today to determine if an epidural steroid injection is the right choice for your condition and to explore all available treatment options.