Where Can I Get Same-Day Epidural Injections for Disc Pain?

You can visit Total Ortho Express for same-day epidural steroid injections for disc-related back pain. Our pain specialists review your medical history, examine your symptoms, and use X-rays to detect disc herniation. After a detailed assessment, our specialists inject an epidural steroid shot to target the source of your pain.

The injection is performed using real-time X-ray guidance to ensure accurate placement and protect nearby small blood vessels, nerves, and the spine. This targeted injection delivers steroid medication and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space around the affected spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and pain. Walk in for immediate treatment.

How Soon Can You Get An Epidural Injection For Disc Pain?

Most patients can get an epidural steroid injection for disc-related back pain after 6 weeks if initial medication and conservative treatment do not provide relief. However, if a disc herniation causes severe leg pain or sciatica, a doctor may recommend the injection at an early stage. In these cases, early pain management helps reduce inflammation around irritated spinal nerves and provides faster pain relief. In fact, an NIH study on early epidural steroid injections for disc-related back pain shows the following consistent outcomes:

• Pain relief within 2 weeks: Many patients experienced significant improvement after about 2 weeks.
• Follow-up after 3 months: Around 39.6% of patients needed another steroid injection after 3 months due to recurring symptoms.
• Injection after 6 months: About 17.9% of patients required another injection after 6 months, depending on ongoing nerve pressure.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Epidural Injections?

Our doctor may recommend epidural injections if you have radiating chronic pain that persists despite rest, exercise, or medication. They may also recommend this treatment if you have conditions such as disc herniation, spinal stenosis, or lumbar spine arthritis. In these cases, the injection delivers steroid medication into the epidural space (the area around the spinal nerves) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. However, you should avoid epidural injections if you have the following conditions:

• Active Infection: An infection near the injection site or a systemic infection, such as sepsis (a severe body-wide infection), can spread during the procedure.
• Bleeding Disorders / Anticoagulation: Patients with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications face a higher risk of a spinal hematoma.
• Severe Medical Conditions: Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, or congestive heart failure can increase complications.
• Allergies: Known allergies to steroids, local anesthetics (numbing medicines), or contrast dye used in imaging can trigger adverse reactions.
• Neurological Emergencies: Rapidly worsening muscle weakness, severe numbness, or spinal cord compression requires immediate surgical care.
• Pregnancy: You may face risks due to radiation exposure from fluoroscopic imaging (real-time X-ray guidance).
• Anatomic Challenges: Extensive scar tissue or a history of complex spinal surgery can make accurate needle placement difficult.

Do You Need Imaging to Diagnose Disc Pain Before an Epidural Injection?

Yes, imaging is usually needed before epidural injections to confirm the exact cause of disc pain. Doctors often use MRI or CT scans because these tests help detect conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spinal nerve inflammation. These scans also identify the exact area of nerve pressure in the spinal canal, which helps doctors perform the procedure more safely and accurately.

Moreover, a case study published in Surgical Neurology International reports that an updated MRI is essential for diagnosing spinal infections or fractures. In this case, a 38-year-old patient developed leg weakness after a lumbar steroid epidural injection based on an MRI taken 9 years earlier. Doctors later performed a new MRI, which revealed an epidural hematoma (a collection of blood in the epidural space) pressing on the spinal nerves. After treatment, the patient’s symptoms improved within 2 weeks.

Which Types of Epidural Injections Are Used for Disc Pain?

Transforaminal, interlaminar, and caudal epidural injections are commonly used to treat disc-related injury and nerve pain. These targeted injections help reduce nerve irritation and improve spinal movement without the need for surgery. During the procedure, doctors guide the needle to the correct position. Then, they inject a combination of a corticosteroid and an anesthetic to reduce inflammation around irritated nerves. Here is how these injections help target the affected area and relieve pain:

Caudal Epidural Injection

This injection is commonly used when pain affects several levels of the vertebrae. In this approach, the medication is injected through the sacral opening near the tailbone to reach the lower spinal nerves. The medication then spreads upward along the spine, helping relieve chronic lower back and leg pain caused by nerve irritation. In fact, an NIH study shows that patients report an average of 67.4% pain relief after this injection.

Interlaminar Epidural Injection

Doctors inject medication between the vertebrae so it can spread across a wider area around the spinal cord. As the medication spreads through the epidural space, which contains fat and blood vessels, it can relieve pain affecting multiple spinal nerves.

Transforaminal Epidural Injection

Doctors use this injection if pain originates from a specific nerve root affected by a disc injury. During the procedure, the medication is injected near the nerve opening between the vertebrae to reduce inflammation and prevent nerve damage. Moreover, the National Institutes of Health found that this targeted method reduces pain and improves daily function in patients with radiculopathy.

How Do Doctors Choose the Right Type of Epidural Injection?

Doctors determine the most suitable injection approach by carefully identifying the exact source of nerve irritation using imaging results such as MRI or CT scans. Then they locate the precise spinal level and the source of pressure, such as a herniated disc or a bone spur (an extra bone growth). After that, they consider your body structure and the underlying condition, such as spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal), to guide their decision. This careful approach helps them deliver the anti-inflammatory medicine directly to the irritated nerve for better relief.

What’s the Difference Between an Epidural Injection vs a Cortisone Shot?

An epidural injection delivers medication into the space near the spinal cord to treat nerve-related pain caused by disc problems or nerve compression between the vertebrae. In contrast, a corticosteroid shot targets joints, tendons, or muscles to reduce inflammation from conditions such as arthritis or soft-tissue injury. Beyond that, epidurals often require image guidance (fluoroscopy) to ensure accurate placement in the spine, while cortisone shots are injected directly into a joint space.

How Should You Prepare for a Same-Day Epidural Injection?

To prepare for a same-day epidural injection, you should arrange a driver and follow fasting instructions. You should also stop blood thinners or NSAIDs (pain relievers like ibuprofen) if your doctor recommends it. Beyond that, wear loose, comfortable clothing, and bring your MRI or CT scans (detailed images of your spine) for review. In addition, take a shower and wash your hair to maintain proper hygiene.

Before the procedure, you can also ask the following questions to your doctor to stay informed and prepared:

• When can you return to your normal daily activities?
• What side effects might you experience after the injection?
• When should you contact your doctor after the procedure?
• How long will the pain relief last in your case?
• What should you avoid doing after the injection?
• Will you need more than one injection for better results?

Do You Need Sedation for an Epidural Injection?

No, you usually do not need sedation for an epidural steroid injection (ESI). Most procedures rely only on local anesthesia (medicine that numbs the skin) because the treatment is minimally invasive and typically takes about 5–10 minutes. As a result, you can recover more quickly without any side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or breathing issues. However, doctors may use light IV sedation in the following cases to ensure comfort during the procedure:

High Anxiety or Fear

Patients with high anxiety or fear may need sedation during the procedure. For example, people with a history of anxiety or other psychiatric conditions often feel distress. In such cases, light IV sedation helps reduce the fight-or-flight response (the body’s automatic reaction to fear), which lowers discomfort. In fact, a PubMed study of 301 spinal injection patients found that sedation controlled anxiety effectively in 90% of cases. It also helps prevent vasovagal reactions (sudden drops in heart rate and blood pressure during the injection).

Low Pain Tolerance

If you have a low pain tolerance, you may need sedation to manage mild discomfort during the procedure. This approach helps reduce increased nerve sensitivity (hyperalgesia, an increased response to pain) and improve overall comfort. Without proper support, low pain tolerance can lead to muscle tension and stress during the injection.

Complex Spinal Structure

In complex cases, surgeons may recommend sedation to support safe and precise needle placement during the procedure. For instance, conditions such as scoliosis (spinal curvature) or spinal fusion (surgically fused vertebrae) can alter spinal anatomy and restrict access to the epidural space. Similarly, degenerative disc disease (wear and tear of spinal discs) can further complicate the procedure. As a result, the doctor may need more time and careful imaging guidance to ensure accuracy.

How Long Does It Take for an Epidural Injection to Relieve Disc Pain?

Many individuals experience significant relief within 24 to 72 hours after an epidural injection. During this time, the corticosteroid gradually reduces inflammation around the irritated nerve near the spinal cord. As the inflammation decreases, pressure on the nerve reduces, which helps relieve pain and improve spinal movement. However, the exact timing of pain relief can vary depending on the following factors:

• Medication Type and Dosage: The type and amount of steroid and anesthetic determine how quickly the nerve responds and pain starts to ease.
• Initial Pain Response: You may feel a temporary increase in pain for 24–48 hours as the injected fluid creates pressure around the nerve.
• Duration of Symptoms: If you have a chronic condition, relief may take longer compared to recent injuries.
• Activity After Injection: Taking a short rest after the procedure helps the medication remain concentrated in the treated area for a better effect.

Note: If your symptoms do not improve within 7–10 days, you should discuss alternative treatment options with a spine specialist.

Can Epidural Injections Help You Avoid Back Surgery?

Yes, epidural steroid injections (ESIs) can help you avoid or delay back surgery. During the procedure, your doctor injects a corticosteroid (an anti-inflammatory medicine) into the epidural space, which reduces swelling and pressure on irritated nerves. As the pain decreases, you can perform guided exercises that strengthen the spine muscles and help address the root cause. At the same time, this relief supports the body’s natural healing process, often reducing the need for surgical treatment.

In fact, an NIH-reviewed analysis shows that epidural steroid injections (ESIs) reduce the need for surgery compared to standard care. It found that many patients delay or avoid surgery for up to 1 year due to significant relief. However, this effect does not continue beyond 1 year. The study also noted that about 1/3 to 1/2 of patients initially need surgical intervention. After receiving ESIs, many of these patients managed their symptoms without undergoing surgery.

What Are the Side Effects of Epidural Steroid Injections?

You may experience temporary pain at the injection site, numbness, facial flushing, mild swelling, or an increase in blood sugar level after an epidural injection. You may also notice increased discomfort for 1–3 days, trouble sleeping, or temporary facial warmth and redness. In some cases, repeated injections with oral steroids can lead to nerve damage and loss of bowel or bladder control. Although these effects are temporary, the steroid shots can cause more significant side effects, such as:

Fluid Retention

You may notice swelling or puffiness in the arms or legs. In some cases, it can also affect the face or abdomen. This often happens because the steroid moves beyond the injection site and enters the bloodstream. As it circulates through the body, it can mimic the effects of aldosterone (a hormone that regulates salt and water balance), leading to excess fluid accumulation.

Breathlessness or Chest Discomfort

If the needle accidentally affects nearby structures, you may feel breathlessness or chest discomfort. In such cases, you may notice sudden shortness of breath, fast breathing (tachypnea), or sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing. Physical stress from the procedure can also trigger stress-induced cardiomyopathy.

In fact, a case study published in the Indian Journal of Critical Care Medicine reports a 45-year-old woman who developed sudden chest pain and breathlessness within 20 minutes of a steroid injection. As her symptoms progressed, tests showed abnormal ECG changes and reduced heart function. Based on these findings, doctors diagnosed stress cardiomyopathy (temporary heart muscle weakness due to a surge of stress hormones). However, after treatment, her condition began to improve within 2 days, and she was discharged in stable condition after 6 days.

Infection or Bleeding

Infection or bleeding can occur if proper precautions are not followed during the procedure. For example, poor sterile technique or an existing infection, such as a cold or fever, can increase the risk of infection. Similarly, if the doctor accidentally injures small blood vessels in the epidural space, it can lead to bleeding. Beyond that, you may face a higher risk of bleeding if you take blood thinners or NSAIDs, as they can slow down the body’s ability of clotting.

Allergic reaction or Anaphylaxis

According to NIH research, about 0.5% of patients developed anaphylaxis (a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction) after receiving intravenous corticosteroids. In some cases, the contrast dye used during imaging, such as iohexol, can also trigger an anaphylactoid reaction (a non-immune response that still causes allergy-like symptoms). These reactions usually develop due to sensitivity to steroids or preservatives present in the injection.

If you experience any of these symptoms after receiving an epidural injection, visit our urgent care center immediately. At Total Ortho Express, our fellowship-trained doctors specialize in advanced orthopedic and sports medicine to effectively manage the side effects of epidural steroid injections. We carefully assess your symptoms and adjust your treatment plan to protect your overall health.

How Much Does an Epidural Injection Cost at Urgent Care?

The cost of an epidural injection typically ranges between $500 and $2,000 or more per session, depending on the facility and imaging used to guide the medication. The exact costs can also vary based on factors such as the surgeon’s fee and expertise. However, if you have insurance, the out-of-pocket cost may be $10–$50, depending on your coverage.

Get Same-Day Epidural Injections For Disc Pain at Total Ortho Express!

Even after conservative treatment, disc pain can limit movement, reduce stability, and place uneven stress on surrounding nerves. You may experience sharp discomfort that affects your ability to sit, stand, or walk. In these situations, choosing the right treatment for disc pain can be difficult, especially if the root cause of your pain isn’t fully diagnosed.

At Total Ortho Express, our specialists provide same-day epidural injections to target the irritated area and improve pain. After the procedure, we also guide your recovery with a personalized pain management plan that supports strength and mobility. For your convenience, our services are available in Syosset, Massapequa, East Meadow, or Deer Park. Walk in now for same-day treatment without an appointment.

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