Easing Chronic Pain: Dr. Jordan Sudberg’s Expert Guide to Epidural Injections

Chronic back or neck pain can be debilitating, impacting every aspect of daily life. Whether caused by a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or inflammation around spinal nerves, patients often search for relief that doesn’t immediately involve surgery. One of the most effective non-surgical treatment options available today is the epidural steroid injection (ESI)—a procedure that Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a leading pain management specialist, considers a cornerstone of interventional pain therapy.

With a career focused on physical medicine and rehabilitation, Dr. Sudberg has performed countless epidural injections and continues to educate both peers and patients on their benefits, risks, and long-term outcomes.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to reduce inflammation and pain in the spine. It involves injecting corticosteroids—powerful anti-inflammatory medications—directly into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots.

According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, “The primary goal of an ESI is to calm irritated nerves and provide significant, often long-lasting, relief from radiating pain. It’s not a cure, but it’s a highly effective way to manage symptoms.”

Conditions Treated with Epidural Injections

Epidural injections are most commonly used to treat:

• Herniated or bulging discs
  
• Sciatica
  
• Spinal stenosis
  
• Degenerative disc disease
  
• Radiculopathy (nerve root pain)
  

Dr. Sudberg explains, “If the pain radiates from the spine into the arms or legs, and conservative measures haven’t worked, an ESI may be an appropriate next step.”

What to Expect During the Procedure

The procedure is usually performed in an outpatient setting and takes 15 to 30 minutes. Using X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), the doctor carefully inserts a needle into the epidural space and injects the steroid solution.

Dr. Sudberg emphasizes the importance of image guidance, saying, “Precision is everything. Using fluoroscopy ensures the medication is delivered exactly where it’s needed, which increases effectiveness and minimizes risk.”

Patients may feel pressure but generally not pain during the injection. Most people are able to return home shortly afterward, although rest is recommended for the remainder of the day.

How Effective Are Epidural Injections?

While results vary, many patients experience pain relief within a few days, with benefits lasting from several weeks to several months. For some, a single injection provides significant improvement, while others may require a series of injections spaced out over time.

“Epidural injections are not a permanent fix,” Dr. Jordan Sudberg explains, “but they can buy time for physical therapy, improve function, and in many cases, delay or avoid surgery.”

Are There Risks?

As with any medical procedure, there are risks, but Dr. Sudberg notes that complications are rare when the injection is performed by a qualified specialist. Potential side effects may include:

• Temporary increase in pain
  
• Headache
  
• Infection (very rare)
  
• Nerve damage (extremely rare)
  
• Elevated blood sugar in diabetic patients
  

He adds, “We screen patients thoroughly to ensure safety. When performed correctly, the benefits of ESIs greatly outweigh the risks for most people.”

Who Is a Good Candidate?

Not everyone with back pain needs an epidural injection. Dr. Jordan Sudberg evaluates each patient individually, considering factors like imaging results, previous treatments, and overall health.

“You have to match the right patient to the right treatment,” he says. “If the pain is nerve-related and persistent despite conservative care, that’s when we consider ESIs.”

Final Thoughts from Dr. Jordan Sudberg

Epidural steroid injections can offer hope and relief to those suffering from chronic spinal pain. As Dr. Jordan Sudberg points out, “These injections can be life-changing—not because they ‘fix’ the problem, but because they give patients the relief they need to move forward with their recovery.”

If you’re living with back or neck pain that radiates to your arms or legs, talk to a qualified pain management specialist to see if an ESI could be right for you.