an epidural steroid injection is a common procedure to treat spinal nerve irritation that is caused by tissues next to the nerve pressing against it. the beginning of the nerve (nerve root) is most often irritated by an inflamed intervertebral disc or disc contents directly touching the spinal nerve. an epidural steroid injection involves bathing an inflamed nerve root in steroids (potent anti-inflammation medicine) in order to decrease the irritation of the nerve root that is causing pain.
what is an epidural steroid injection?