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Epidural steroid injections deliver anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around irritated spinal nerves.
When a herniated disc, bone spur or narrowed spinal canal presses on a nerve, it can cause radiating pain, numbness or tingling into an arm or leg. An epidural steroid injection (ESI) places corticosteroid plus a local anesthetic near the inflamed nerve root, usually under live X-ray (fluoroscopy) guidance for accuracy. Pain physicians in Sarasota, Bradenton, Venice and Lakewood Ranch commonly use ESIs to reduce inflammation, improve function and, in many cases, delay or avoid surgery. Relief and duration vary widely from person to person.
Medication placed into the epidural space between vertebrae; often used for broad or bilateral symptoms.
More targeted approach delivering steroid right at a specific nerve root; common for sciatica.
Entry through the base of the spine (sacral hiatus); useful for lower lumbar/sacral pain or prior surgery.
A Florida medical license lets a physician practice, but board certification is the signal that a doctor completed accredited residency training and passed rigorous exams in their specialty. Look for certification by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) member board that matches the care you need — and verify it yourself.
Procedure facts on this page draw on authoritative medical sources. Confirm specifics in a consultation.
American Academy of Pain Medicine ↗American Society of Anesthesiologists ↗Choose a board-certified doctor — and verify it yourself:
ABMS — Certification Matters ↗ Look up any U.S. physician’s board certification across all 24 ABMS member specialty boards. Florida DOH — License Verification ↗ Confirm an active Florida license and review any disciplinary history. NPI Registry (CMS) ↗ Verify a provider’s national identifier and registered specialty taxonomy. Medicare Care Compare ↗ Compare clinicians, hospitals and facilities on quality measures.