Epidural Steroid Injections in New Jersey

At CORE Medical & Wellness, we use advanced techniques and imaging guidance to ensure safe, accurate, and effective epidural steroid injections as part of comprehensive pain management plans.

First We never recommend epidural injections without thorough evaluation. Every patient receives detailed assessment to confirm that epidural steroid injection is appropriate for their specific condition and pain pattern.

All our epidural procedures are performed using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise needle placement and optimal medication delivery. This helps place the medication accurately and lowers the chance of complications.

Plans We recognize that spine pain affects everyone differently. Our treatment plans are tailored to your specific condition, pain severity, functional goals, and overall health status.

 Epidural injections are part of broader pain management strategies that may include physical therapy, medication optimization, and other interventional procedures to help you get back to your daily activities.

Epidural steroid injections at CORE are performed by Dr. Richard Kang, Dr. Shelly Sharma and Dr. Jag Desai. All three are double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine, and you can confirm their certification through the American Board of Anesthesiology. Each brings years of training and experience in image-guided spine procedures, and CORE Medical & Wellness has cared for patients in Lyndhurst for 18 years.

You can start with a consultation at any CORE Medical & Wellness office: Lyndhurst, Closter, Kenilworth, Wyckoff or Aberdeen.

The injection itself isn't done in the office. It's performed at an ambulatory surgery center or a hospital, where your physician uses live X-ray (fluoroscopy) and contrast dye to guide the needle to the right spot. Our team will help schedule your procedure and tell you where to go and how to prepare.

Our evaluation includes detailed review of your pain history, physical examination, and assessment of how your symptoms impact daily activities and function.

• MRI Analysis: Detailed review of disc health, nerve compression, and spinal anatomy
• CT Scans: Additional imaging when needed for treatment planning
• X-rays: Assessment of spinal alignment and structural considerations

Based on your specific condition and imaging findings, we determine the most appropriate injection approach and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

This approach involves placing the needle between the laminae (back part of the vertebrae) to access the epidural space. It's effective for treating central disc herniations and spinal stenosis.

This technique targets specific nerve roots by placing medication near the neural foramen where nerves exit the spine. It's particularly effective for treating nerve root compression and radiating pain.

This approach accesses the epidural space through the sacral hiatus at the base of the spine. It's often used for lower lumbar conditions and post-surgical pain.

Specialized procedures for treating neck pain and upper extremity symptoms caused by cervical spine conditions.

1. Call or request an appointment. Our goal is to see you within 24 to 48 hours.
2. Consultation. Your physician reviews your symptoms and health history, examines you and looks at your imaging. If you need new imaging, we'll arrange it.
3. Your plan. If an epidural is right for you, your physician explains which type you need and what to expect, reviews your medications (such as blood thinners) and schedules the injection at the surgery center or hospital.
4. Injection day. The injection usually takes 15 to 30 minutes, followed by a short rest while you're monitored.
5. Follow-up. We check how you're doing and plan your next steps, such as physical therapy or, if needed, another injection.

Before your procedure, we review your medical history, current medications, and provide detailed pre-procedure instructions. We ensure you understand what to expect and answer any questions.

• Sterile Preparation: The injection site is thoroughly cleaned and draped
• Local Anesthesia: The skin and deeper tissues are numbed for comfort
• Fluoroscopic Guidance: Live X-ray imaging guides precise needle placement
• Contrast Verification: Contrast dye confirms proper needle position before medication delivery
• Medication Injection: Anti-inflammatory medication is slowly injected into the epidural space

After the injection, you'll be monitored briefly before discharge. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions and schedule appropriate follow-up appointments. For a step-by-step guide, read what to expect from an epidural steroid injection.

• Plan to have someone drive you home, especially if you received sedation.
• Take it easy for the rest of the day. Most people return to their usual activities the next day.
• Your back, neck, arm or leg may feel numb or a little weak for a few hours from the numbing medicine.
• Soreness where the needle went in is common for a day or two. An ice pack can help.
• The steroid usually starts working within a few days, but it can take up to two weeks to feel the full effect.
• Keep track of your pain in the days after the injection so you can tell your physician at your follow-up visit.
• Call us right away if you have a fever, a severe headache, new weakness or numbness, or trouble controlling your bladder or bowels. If symptoms are severe, go to the nearest emergency room.

Epidural steroid injections are a common procedure and serious complications are uncommon, but every procedure has some risk. Your physician will go over them with you before your injection.

Common side effects usually go away within a few days:

• Soreness at the injection site
• A short-term increase in pain
• Facial flushing, trouble sleeping or feeling restless
• Higher blood sugar in people with diabetes

Rare risks include infection, bleeding, an allergic reaction, a headache from a small leak of spinal fluid, and nerve injury.

Let your physician know if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, are or might be pregnant, have an infection, or have had a reaction to contrast dye or steroids.

Dr. Kang, Dr. Sharma and Dr. Desai are double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine and perform the epidural injections at CORE.

Every injection is done at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital with live X-ray guidance, a contrast dye check and strict sterile technique.

We don't just perform procedures - we address the underlying causes of your pain through integrated treatment plans that may include physical therapy, medication management, and lifestyle modifications.

Our team takes time to understand your specific pain concerns and develops personalized treatment approaches designed to help you achieve your functional goals.

Epidural steroid injections are minimally invasive procedures that deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.

The procedure is performed using fluoroscopic guidance to ensure precise needle placement. After local anesthesia, a thin needle is guided into the epidural space and medication is injected.

Most patients experience only mild discomfort during the injection. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and you'll be monitored briefly afterward before going home.

Some patients experience immediate relief, while others notice gradual improvement over days to weeks. You may have temporary soreness at the injection site, which is normal.

Relief duration varies among patients and conditions. Some experience several months of relief, while others may need repeat injections. The goal is to provide sufficient relief to participate in rehabilitative therapies.

Not in our offices. Your consultation can be at any of our five New Jersey offices, and the injection is done at an ambulatory surgery center or hospital with live X-ray guidance.

Dr. Richard Kang, Dr. Shelly Sharma or Dr. Jag Desai, all double board-certified in anesthesiology and pain medicine.

Our goal is to see new patients within 24 to 48 hours of their call, when that's right for their condition.