Epidural Steroid Injections

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection (ESI injection) is a minimally invasive pain management procedure used to reduce inflammation and relieve chronic neck, back, and nerve pain caused by spinal conditions. This treatment involves delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly around the irritated spinal nerves.

Dr. Edward Shen is a Harvard-educated, double board-certified physician in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology and serves as Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth. He performs epidural steroid injections using live image guidance (fluoroscopy and ultrasound) so the medication reaches the exact source of nerve inflammation with precision and safety.

Understanding Chronic Back and Nerve Pain

The spine contains nerves that travel from the spinal cord to different parts of the body. When these nerves become compressed or inflamed, patients may experience chronic pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that radiates into the arms or legs.

Inflammation around spinal nerves is one of the leading causes of persistent back and neck pain. Epidural steroid injections are designed to reduce this inflammation at its source.

Symptoms That May Require an Epidural Injection

Patients experiencing the following symptoms may benefit from evaluation by a spine and pain specialist:

• Chronic lower back pain
• Neck pain
• Radiating arm or leg pain
• Sciatica symptoms
• Numbness or tingling
• Burning nerve pain
• Muscle weakness
• Difficulty standing or walking
• Pain that worsens with movement
• Pain interfering with sleep or daily activities

If conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief, an epidural steroid injection may help reduce inflammation and improve function.

Conditions Treated with Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural steroid injections may help patients suffering from:

• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain
• Sciatica
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease
• Radiculopathy
• Spinal stenosis
• Nerve compression
• Arthritis-related spinal pain
• Post-surgical spinal inflammation
• Chronic nerve pain

As an experienced back pain physician and spine doctor, Dr. Shen focuses on treating pain at its source while improving mobility and overall function.

Benefits of Epidural Steroid Injections

Epidural injections for back pain provide a non-surgical option for reducing inflammation and relieving chronic pain.

Potential benefits include:

• Reduced nerve inflammation
• Decreased back and neck pain
• Relief from radiating arm or leg pain
• Improved mobility and flexibility
• Better participation in physical therapy
• Reduced need for oral pain medication
• Faster return to daily activities
• Minimally invasive outpatient treatment
• Delayed or avoided spinal surgery

Orthopedic Spine Care

Epidural steroid injections are a cornerstone of orthopedic and interventional spine care. By calming inflammation around a compressed nerve, the injection often restores movement and relieves pain. Dr. Shen identifies the precise source of your pain and treats it directly to relieve discomfort and restore function.

When Should You See a Spine Specialist?

Persistent back or neck pain should not be ignored, especially when symptoms interfere with work, sleep, mobility, or quality of life.

You may benefit from evaluation by a spine specialist or pain management doctor near you if you experience:

• Chronic back pain lasting several weeks or longer
• Pain radiating into the arms or legs
• Numbness or tingling
• Difficulty walking or standing
• Limited mobility
• Pain that has not improved with conservative treatment

Serving Patients Across Elizabeth & Union County

Spine and Pain Specialty Care is located in Elizabeth and treats patients from across Union County and the surrounding area, including Linden, Roselle, Roselle Park, Hillside, Union, Cranford, Clark, and Newark. The office is easily reached from Route 1&9, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike. Se Habla Español — our team supports Spanish-speaking patients throughout their care.

Schedule a Consultation for Epidural Steroid Injections

At Spine and Pain Specialty Care, we specialize in advanced, minimally invasive treatments for chronic spinal pain and nerve-related conditions. We accept most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall cases.

If you are struggling with chronic back pain, neck pain, sciatica, or nerve-related symptoms, an epidural steroid injection may help relieve inflammation and improve function.

Dial (908) 818-1600 today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Edward Shen, a trusted spine and pain specialist in Elizabeth, NJ, and learn whether an epidural injection for back pain is right for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does an epidural steroid injection hurt?

Most patients feel only mild pressure. Dr. Shen numbs the area first and uses live image guidance for a precise, comfortable procedure performed in our dedicated in-office procedure suite. For patients who prefer it, we offer sedation to help keep you comfortable during the procedure.

How soon will I feel relief?

Patients often feel relief within days as the steroid reduces inflammation, with the full effect typically developing over the following days to a few weeks.

Can I be evaluated and treated on the same day?

Often, yes. In many cases Dr. Shen can provide evaluation, diagnosis — including in-office X-ray or ultrasound imaging — and treatment in a single visit, so you can start getting relief without waiting.

Do you treat injuries from car accidents or work?

Yes. Dr. Shen treats spinal injuries from motor vehicle accidents and work-related incidents, and the practice accepts no-fault/PIP auto insurance and workers’ compensation.

Do you offer Spanish-language services?

Yes. Se Habla Español — our team assists Spanish-speaking patients throughout diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care.

Spine and Pain Specialty Care Practice Summary

Practice Name: Spine and Pain Specialty Care
Physician: Dr. Edward Shen, MD
Credentials: Harvard-educated, double board-certified in Pain Medicine and Anesthesiology; Pain Division Chief at Trinitas Regional Medical Center
Location: 219 S. Broad Street, Elizabeth, NJ 07202
Serving: Elizabeth, Union County, and surrounding New Jersey communities
Conditions: Herniated discs, sciatica, spinal stenosis, radiculopathy, degenerative disc disease, and chronic nerve pain
Insurance: Most commercial insurance plans, PPO, workers’ compensation, no-fault/PIP auto insurance, and slip-and-fall claims
Languages: English and Spanish (Se Habla Español)
Phone: (908) 818-1600