Epidural Steroid Injection Doctor in Plano, TX

Epidural steroid injections often referred to as ESIs, are a common treatment option for various types of pain, including low back pain, leg pain, neck pain, and arm pain. They are often used in the treatment of sciatica, as this type of low back pain can radiate down one or both legs. Epidural steroid injections may be performed with an interlaminar approach, which targets multiple affected nerves; they may also be used to target specific nerve roots with a transforaminal approach. A caudal approach can also be used depending on the goals of the treatment.

Epidural steroid injections can address a wide array of concerns in a diverse range of areas of the body. They are often used to manage chronic pain caused by spinal nerve root inflammation, or other conditions that irritate the spinal nerve roots. Epidural steroid injections can treat pain from:

• Herniated or bulging discs that pinch nerves
• Spinal foraminal stenosis (narrowing of spaces within the spine)
• Failed back surgery syndrome
• Vertebral bone spurs (osteophytes)
• Scoliosis that causes nerve root irritation
• Spondylosis (spine degeneration)

There are four types of epidural steroid injection; they get their names based on the section of the spine into which they are injected, including:

• Cervical (neck) ESI
• Thoracic (upper and middle back) ESI
• Lumbar (low back) ESI
• Caudal (sacral) ESI

The benefits of epidural steroid injections include:

• Temporary Pain Relief — While many people experience temporary pain relief, some people experience relief from pain in the long term.

• Better Quality of Life — Epidural steroid injections have the potential to improve one’s quality of life, allowing one to take part in daily activities without the restrictions previously caused by pain.

• Diagnostic Information on the Origin of Pain — One of the reasons people may receive an epidural steroid injection is to diagnose the underlying cause of pain, which is often helpful in people who have more than one possible cause of pain.

• May Reduce the Need for More Invasive Procedures — Some pain management procedures can be invasive, and there is no guarantee that they will work. By determining the root cause of pain, epidural steroid injections can help to avoid invasive procedures, providing more accurate prognoses without the need for long recovery times or deleterious risks.

Epidural steroid injections can be effective treatments for a variety of types of pain that originates in the spine, including sciatica, radiculopathy, herniated discs, and spinal foraminal stenosis. The success rate of epidural steroid injections varies depending on the condition treated; it is also important to note that individual results may vary. The effectiveness of epidural steroid injections will be greater if they are coupled with an active supervised physical therapy program that includes a home exercise program, and if dietary and lifestyle habits are addressed to improve overall fitness and health.

The primary goals of an epidural steroid injection are to relieve pain, decrease inflammation, and improve movement in affected areas of the spine. This minimally invasive procedure delivers a corticosteroid medication directly into the epidural space surrounding irritated or compressed nerve roots. By targeting the source of inflammation, it helps reduce nerve swelling and pressure, easing symptoms such as back pain, leg pain, or sciatica. The result is often faster pain relief than oral medications, allowing patients to move more freely and comfortably.

Beyond immediate pain control, epidural steroid injections aim to enhance long-term function and quality of life. When pain is reduced, patients can resume physical therapy, exercise, or normal daily routines that were previously limited by discomfort. This treatment also helps minimize the need for stronger medications or invasive surgery in many cases. For individuals with chronic spine conditions like herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, or spinal stenosis, epidural injections can be an effective part of a comprehensive pain management plan, restoring mobility and promoting overall well-being.

With 26 years of board-certified experience in pain management, Dr. Robert J. Nocerini, MD, is known as a leading epidural steroid injection doctor in Plano, TX. At Northstar Joint and Spine, he treats conditions such as sciatica, spinal arthritis, and chronic back or neck pain using advanced imaging-guided injections that deliver precise, lasting relief.

Patients choose Dr. Nocerini for his meticulous technique, compassionate approach, and consistent outcomes. His Plano clinic emphasizes minimally invasive care that restores function and reduces the need for long-term medications. By combining innovation with patient education, Dr. Nocerini helps individuals achieve sustainable relief and improved quality of life.

Come to Northstar Joint & Spine for your next epidural steroid injection! Contact us today for more information or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7704 San Jacinto Pl Suite #200 Plano, TX 75024. We serve patients from Plano TX, Willow Bend TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, North Dallas TX, and surrounding areas.