Epidural Steroid Injection in Lyndhurst, NJ


Epidural Steroid Injection


If you're suffering from chronic back pain, sciatica, or nerve-related leg pain that hasn't responded to conservative treatments, epidural steroid injections may provide the relief you need. At CORE Medical & Wellness in Lyndhurst, NJ, our board-certified pain management specialists offer this proven minimally invasive procedure to help patients throughout Bergen County find lasting pain relief and return to their daily activities.


Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections


Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) are a well-established treatment for spine-related pain that involves delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space around the spinal cord and nerve roots. This targeted approach allows for concentrated treatment of inflammation while minimizing systemic effects.
The epidural space is located between the protective covering of the spinal cord (dura) and the vertebral wall. When spinal nerves become inflamed due to conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease, placing medication directly in this space can effectively reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief.

Epidural steroid injections may help with:

  • Sciatica and radiating leg pain
  • Herniated or bulging disc pain
  • Spinal stenosis symptoms
  • Chronic lower back pain
  • Neck pain radiating to the arms
  • Post-surgical spine pain

This procedure has been used safely for decades and can provide substantial relief for patients whose pain significantly impacts their quality of life.


Interventional Pain Management


If you’re in pain, we will carefully listen and assess your personal situation to work to help eliminate or reduce your pain. Our world-class interventional pain management physicians can help you reduce pain and get you back to your daily activities using cutting-edge treatments along with holistic therapies options.

The doctors at CORE Medical & Wellness bring years worth of knowledge around chronic pain. They treat each individual with a fresh set of eyes to offer the best treatment management possible. They offer a wide-variety of options to suit a myriad of alternative solutions.

We Treat:


While there are a variety of sports related conditions that can be treated via non-surgical methods, we specialize in the following:

  • Failed Back Syndrome
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Degenerative Disc Disease
  • Phantom Limb Pain
  • Coccydynia
  • Bursitis
  • De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis
  • Biceps Tendinopathy
  • Arthritis
  • Compression Fractures of the Spine
  • Back Pain
  • Extruded Discs
  • Post-Herpetic Syndrome – Shingles
  • Trigeminal Neuralgia
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain
  • Shoulder Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Upper Back Pain
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Migraine Headaches
  • Tension Headaches
  • Knee Pain
  • Chronic Pain Syndrome
  • Scoliosis
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Spinal Stenosis
  • Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
  • Vertebral Pain
  • Hip Pain

Our Approach to Epidural Steroid Injection Treatment


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.

Comprehensive Evaluation

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.

Image-Guided Precision

All our epidural procedures are performed using fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precise needle placement and optimal medication delivery. This advanced approach maximizes effectiveness while minimizing risks.

Individualized Treatment

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.

Comprehensive Pain Management

 Epidural injections are part of broader pain management strategies that may include physical therapy, medication optimization, and other interventional procedures to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Our double board-certified pain management specialists, Dr. Richard Kang and Dr. Shelly Sharma, bring extensive fellowship training and experience in performing epidural procedures safely and effectively.


Diagnostic and Treatment Process


Comprehensive Pain Assessment

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

Advanced Imaging Review

  • 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

Treatment Planning

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


Types of Epidural Steroid Injections


Interlaminar Epidural Injections

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.

Transforaminal Epidural Injections

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.

Caudal Epidural Injections

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.

Cervical Epidural Injections

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


The Epidural Injection Procedure


Pre-Procedure Preparation

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.

During the Procedure

  • 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

Post-Procedure Care

After the injection, you'll be monitored briefly before discharge. We provide detailed post-procedure instructions and schedule appropriate follow-up appointments.


Why Choose CORE Medical & Wellness


Fellowship-Trained Specialists

Our pain management physicians completed specialized fellowship training in interventional pain medicine, ensuring you receive the highest standard of care for epidural procedures.

Advanced Safety Protocols

We use state-of-the-art fluoroscopic equipment and follow strict sterile techniques to ensure safe, accurate procedures with optimal outcomes.

Comprehensive Approach

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.

Patient-Centered Care

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


Frequently Asked Questions


What are epidural steroid injections?

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.

How are epidural injections performed?

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.

What should I expect during the procedure?

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.

What should I expect after epidural injection?

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.

How long does pain relief from epidural injections last?

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.

Does insurance cover epidural steroid injections?

Most insurance plans cover medically necessary epidural steroid injections when conservative treatments have been tried first. Our staff will verify your coverage and obtain necessary prior authorizations.



We’re looking forward to serving you!