Dr. Jordan Sudberg Explains the Most Common Epidural Treatment Types for Pain Relief

Epidural treatments have become a cornerstone in managing chronic pain, especially for conditions involving the spine, nerves, and surrounding tissues. These minimally invasive procedures allow targeted delivery of medication to reduce inflammation and provide significant pain relief without the need for surgery.

Dr. Jordan Sudberg, a pain management specialist with extensive experience, breaks down the frequently used epidural treatment types, their benefits, and what patients can expect during the process.

“Epidural injections are a valuable tool in pain management. They provide targeted relief and can improve a patient’s quality of life when used appropriately,” explains Dr. Sudberg.

In this post, we will explore the most common types of epidural treatments and their roles in managing various pain conditions.

What Is an Epidural Injection?

An epidural injection involves delivering medication directly into the epidural space — the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots. This allows anti-inflammatory drugs, primarily corticosteroids, to act precisely where inflammation and irritation cause pain.

Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that these injections are often part of a broader pain management plan, which may include physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle adjustments.

Frequently Used Epidural Treatment Types

1. Interlaminar Epidural Steroid Injection

The interlaminar approach is the most traditional and commonly used epidural injection. It involves injecting medication between the vertebral laminae, targeting a broader epidural area.

• Uses: Effective for generalized inflammation in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine
  
• Ideal for: Patients with radicular pain (radiating nerve pain), spinal stenosis, or disc herniation
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg notes, “Interlaminar injections allow medication to spread over multiple nerve roots, which is helpful when pain is diffuse.”

2. Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injection

The transforaminal technique delivers medication more precisely near the affected nerve root through the intervertebral foramen—the opening where nerves exit the spine.

• Uses: Targeted treatment for nerve root irritation due to herniated discs or foraminal stenosis
  
• Ideal for: Patients experiencing sharp, localized radicular pain such as sciatica
  

“Transforaminal injections are especially beneficial when imaging shows a specific nerve root is inflamed,” says Dr. Sudberg. “They provide focused relief with less medication needed.”

3. Caudal Epidural Steroid Injection

In a caudal epidural injection, medication is introduced through the sacral hiatus at the base of the spine.

• Uses: Helpful for lower back pain, especially when previous epidural injections have not been effective or when multiple nerve roots are involved
  
• Ideal for: Patients with lumbar spinal stenosis or diffuse inflammation
  

Dr. Sudberg explains, “Caudal injections provide access to the lower epidural space and can be a good option when other approaches are contraindicated or less effective.”

What Medications Are Used in Epidural Injections?

Epidural injections typically contain a combination of:

• Corticosteroids: Powerful anti-inflammatory agents that reduce swelling around nerves and tissues
  
• Local anesthetics: Such as lidocaine, which provide immediate but temporary pain relief
  

Dr. Jordan Sudberg highlights the importance of medication selection tailored to each patient’s condition and tolerance.

The Procedure and What to Expect

Before administering an epidural injection, Dr. Sudberg performs a thorough evaluation and reviews imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans to pinpoint the source of pain.

During the procedure:

• The patient lies in a comfortable position, usually face down or on their side
  
• The skin is cleansed and numbed with a local anesthetic
  
• Under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance, the needle is precisely positioned in the epidural space
  
• Medication is injected slowly, and the patient is monitored for any adverse reactions
  

“Fluoroscopic guidance is crucial for safety and accuracy,” Dr. Sudberg notes. “It ensures the medication reaches the intended area while minimizing risks.”

Most patients tolerate the procedure well and can resume normal activities within a day or two, though some may experience temporary soreness at the injection site.

Benefits and Limitations

Epidural injections can provide:

• Rapid pain relief
  
• Reduced inflammation and swelling
  
• Improved mobility and function
  
• The ability to engage more effectively in physical therapy
  

However, Dr. Jordan Sudberg cautions that these injections are not a permanent cure but rather a part of an overall management plan. Some patients may require repeat injections, while others respond well to a single treatment.

When to Consider Epidural Treatments

Patients experiencing persistent back or neck pain, especially with radiating symptoms like numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, should consult a pain management specialist like Dr. Jordan Sudberg.

“If conservative treatments like medication and physical therapy aren’t enough, epidural injections can be a safe next step to help control pain and improve quality of life,” Dr. Sudberg advises.

Final Thoughts from Dr. Jordan Sudberg

Epidural injections remain one of the most effective non-surgical options for managing chronic spine-related pain. Choosing the right type of epidural injection, performed by an experienced specialist, is key to achieving the best outcomes.

“If you suffer from chronic neck or back pain, consult with a pain management expert to explore whether epidural treatments are right for you,” encourages Dr. Jordan Sudberg.