What is an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to help reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by irritated spinal nerves. The medication is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves.

Why am I receiving an epidural injection?

Epidural injections are commonly used to treat:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Pinched nerves
• Neck, back, arm, or leg pain caused by nerve inflammation

How does the injection work?

Steroid medication helps reduce inflammation around the affected nerve(s), which may decrease pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms.

Will the procedure be painful?

Most patients experience only mild discomfort. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin before the injection is performed.

How long does the procedure take?

The procedure typically takes 10-15 minutes. Including check-in and recovery time, plan to be in the office or procedure center for approximately 45-60 minutes.

Patient Paperwork

Please note you are required to fill out patient paperwork before you enter Pre-Op, this includes medication history. This will need to be filled out for every visit.

Do I require Clearance?

Yes, some procedures/providers require clearance. The scheduler will advise you if this is needed.

Will I be sedated?

Sedation may or may not be used depending on your physician’s recommendation and the procedure location. Our staff will provide instructions prior to your appointment.

Patient Safety

Our goal is to make patients feel relaxed and comfortable if they choose sedation. We do not “Knock you out”.

Some patients may fall asleep and/or forget that the procedure took place, but the safety of our patients is our main concern, and results may vary.

Can I eat or drink before my procedure?

WITH SEDATION, you will be asked not to drink anything for 8 hours prior to procedure – This includes water, black coffee. No gum or candy. NOTHING BY THE MOUTH!

If you are NOT HAVING SEDATION you are able to eat/drink. However, if you are a diabetic, be mindful of your diet, as your sugar levels need to be below 250 to have an injection.

Should I take my regular medications?

Most medications may be continued. However, blood thinners, diabetes medications, and certain other medications may require special instructions. Please notify the office of all medications you take. Any medications that are listed in the packet to hold will still need to be held.

I have a cold. Can I still have my procedure?

If you are at the tail end of a cold and have no fever, body aches, chest congestion, sore throat, you should be ok to proceed.

However steroids lower your immunity and your ability to fight infection, so it may be best to reschedule.

I’m taking antibiotics for an illness or infection; can I still have my procedure?

Again, steroids lower your immunity and your ability to fight infection, so we will ask you to reschedule until antibiotics are finished and infection is gone.

I had a recent surgery and have stitches. Can I still have my procedure?

Once your stitches are out and you’re healed, the injection can be done.

I’m due to have my flu shot – can I still have my injection?

Our drs prefer you to wait 7-10 days before or after a steroid injection to have any vaccines.

Do I need a driver?

If sedation is used, you must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home. If no sedation is used, your physician will advise whether you may drive yourself.

Please note, due to space and privacy of our patients, escorts are not allowed in the Pre-Op area.

Does my ride need to stay on site while I have my procedure?

You will only be here for an hour so we ask that patients rides do stay local.

We cannot house our patients for longer than that so if a patient does not have a ride readily available, there may be a delay in your injection.

I can’t get a ride – can I have sedation if an uber picks me up?

No, unfortunately due to NYS law, a person over 18 needs to sign you out and drive you home. An uber driver will not take responsibility of you.

When will I feel relief?

Some patients experience relief within a few days, while others may take up to 1-2 weeks to notice improvement. Individual results vary.

What should I expect after the injection?

You may experience:

• Temporary soreness at the injection site
• Mild increase in pain for 1-3 days
• Temporary numbness or weakness
• Facial flushing or warmth
• Difficulty sleeping for a short period after receiving steroids

These effects are generally temporary.

How long will the relief last?

Pain relief varies from patient to patient. Some patients experience relief for several weeks or months, while others may require additional treatment.

Can I return to work?

Most patients can return to normal activities the next day. If your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity, ask your physician for specific recommendations.

Are there any activity restrictions?

Avoid strenuous activity and heavy lifting on the day of the procedure. You may typically resume normal activities the following day unless instructed otherwise.

What are the risks of an epidural injection?

Although uncommon, risks may include:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Temporary increase in pain
• Headache
• Nerve irritation
• Temporary weakness or numbness

Your physician will review the risks and benefits with you before the procedure.

How many injections will I need?

The number of injections varies based on your condition, symptoms, and response to treatment. Your physician will discuss an individualized treatment plan with you.

When should I call the office?

Please contact us immediately if you experience:

• Fever greater than 100.4°F
• Severe headache that does not improve
• Increasing redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site
• New or worsening weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control
• Difficulty breathing
• Severe or worsening pain

Day of Procedure Checklist

• Bring a photo ID and insurance card
• Wear comfortable clothing
• Follow medication instructions provided by the office
• Arrange transportation if sedation is planned
• Arrive 15-30 minutes before your appointment
• Notify the office if you develop a fever, infection, or illness before your procedure

Appointment Scheduling & Rescheduling for Current Patients

Are you a current patient who needs to request a new appointment or reschedule an existing procedure? Our team is here to help. Contact your physician’s office directly using the numbers below.

Appointment Scheduling for New Patients

Looking for an initial evaluation? Learn more about our pain management services or call 516-536-2800 to schedule an appointment.

Find Your Pain Management Specialist

• Cheryl E. Daves, M.D.
  Locations: Merrick, Woodbury
  516-422-7737
• Brian Goldstein, D.O.
  Locations: Garden City, Rockville Centre, Woodbury
  516-838-8785
• Arthur Kitt, M.D., M.P.H.
  Locations: Garden City, Kew Gardens, Merrick
  516-992-4553
• Marco Palmieri, D.O.
  Locations: Bohemia, Smithtown, Woodbury, Yaphank
  516-992-4555
• Jaspreet S. Toor, D.O.
  Locations: Bohemia, Garden City, Huntington, Syosset, Woodbury, Yaphank
  516-992-4556
• Daniel Yadegar, M.D.
  Locations: Garden City, Merrick
  516-992-4554

What to Have Before You Call to Schedule Your Appointment

Our pain management team is committed to making every step of your injection appointment as smooth and stress-free as possible.

To help make scheduling easier, there are a few things you should have handy before you call. Having this information ready can help our team get you scheduled more quickly.

Have Your Insurance and ID Ready

When you call, please have the following on hand:

• Government-issued photo ID
• Current health insurance card(s)
• Workers’ compensation or no-fault claim information (if applicable)

Your insurance plan may require a copayment for pain management injections. For every injection visit, you will also be asked to complete standard pre-procedure paperwork prior to entering Pre-Op.

Tell Us If Your Health Has Changed

Please let us know if you:

• Recently developed a fever, cold, infection, or other illness.
• Are recovering from recent surgery (your procedure may need to be rescheduled for your safety).
• Have a vaccine scheduled near your procedure date. Our physicians generally recommend waiting 7 to 10 days between a steroid injection and any vaccination.

What to Confirm When You Call

To help you prepare for your procedure, our team will review a few key details with you:

• Whether sedation is required — if so, you will need a responsible adult over 18 to drive you home. Rideshare services do not qualify under New York State law.
• Whether any of your medications need to be paused before your procedure, and for how long.

Our team is here to help every step of the way. For additional questions, contact us or find quick answers in our Pain Management FAQ.