(252) 648-0409
  • Make A Payment
  • Directions
  • Job Openings
Patient Information

The Surgical Center of Morehead CityThe Surgical Center of Morehead City

  • For Patients
    • Specialties
    • Keeping You Safe During COVID-19
    • How to Prepare for Surgery
    • Patient Forms
    • Patient Registration
    • Insurance and Billing
    • CareCredit
    • Request an Appointment
  • Find a Physician
  • Total Joint Replacement
    • Total Hip Replacement Surgery
    • Total Knee Replacement Surgery
    • Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
    • Your Cost Solution
    • Your Recovery Solution
  • Conditions
  • For Physicians
  • About Us

Epidural Steroid Injection

Overview

An epidural steroid injection treats nerve irritation caused by nearby tissues pressing on the nerve. The inflamed nerve root is bathed in steroids, an anti-inflammation medicine, to decrease the irritation of the nerve root that is causing the pain. Treatment can be for the neck region (cervical), middle back area (thoracic) or the lower back area (lumbar).

What to expect

Patients will change into a hospital gown to allow easy access for the physician to clean, numb and inject the area. The procedure takes about 15-30 minutes. The patient will lie flat on an X-ray table with a pillow under their stomach to create a small curve in the back. Using an X-ray for guidance, the physician will insert a needle in the skin toward the epidural space. The correct placement is confirmed and then the steroid solution is injected slowly. Patients will sense some pressure, and are monitored for about 20 minutes before being discharged. Sedatives are available to relieve anxiety.

How to prepare

If a sedative is going to be used, patients will be asked not to eat or drink for several hours prior to the procedure and will need to arrange for a ride home. Blood thinners should be discontinued at least a week prior to the injection.

ACL Repair Abdominal Pain Achalasia Anorectal Disease Arthritis Barrett's Esophagus Bile Duct Disorders Bunions Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Cataracts Celiac Disease Chronic Back Pain Chronic Diarrhea Chronic Liver Disease Cirrhosis Colon & Colorectal Cancer Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Constipation Corneal Dystrophy Corneal Infections Crohn's Disease Diabetic Retinopathy Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia) Diverticulosis and Diverticulitis Droopy Eyelids (Ocular Plastics) Dry Eye Epidural Steroid Injection Esophageal Cancer Esophageal Varices Esophagitis and Stricture Fecal Incontinence Gallstones Gastrointestinal and Gastroenterologist Glaucoma: “The Sneak Thief of Sight” Hammer Toes Heartburn, Acid Reflux & GERD Heel Spurs (Plantar Fasciitis) Helicobacter Pylori (Stomach Infection) Hemorrhoids Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Hernias Hiatal Hernia Inflammatory Bowel Disease Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Jaundice Keratoconus Liver Cancer Liver Disease Macular Degeneration Malabsorption Morbid Obesity Ocular Herpes Orthopedic Injuries Osteoporosis Pancreatic Cancer Pancreatic Cysts Pancreatitis Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD) Periocular Skin Cancer Posterior Vitreous Detachment Pterygium Rectal Bleeding Reflux Esophagitis Refractive Errors (Vision Problems) Retinal Detachment Rotator Cuff Repair Shingles Silent Reflux (Laryngopharyngeal Reflux) Spine Injury Stevens-Johnson Syndrome Stomach Problems and Swallowing Problems Stomach Ulcers Strictures Ulcerative Colitis
  • Contact Us
  • Notice of Nondiscrimination
  • Notice of Privacy Practices
  • Terms of Service
  • Internet Privacy Policy
  • Billing Disclosure

The Surgical Center of Morehead City
3714 Guardian Avenue, Suite W,
Morehead City, NC 28557

© 2023 The Surgical Center of Morehead City