Corpus Christi
2701 Morgan Ave #425, Corpus Christi, TX 78405
(361) 444-6044More info about Corpus Christi
Epidural Steroid Injections
An image-guided procedure that places corticosteroid medication in the epidural space to address radiating pain from an irritated spinal nerve when clinically appropriate.
- Primary use
- Radicular pain
- Guidance
- Fluoroscopy
- Setting
- Outpatient
- Access
- 6 Texas clinics
JHMedically reviewed by Dr. John Hall, Pain Management SpecialistLast updated July 2026
Quick overview
Who We Help
Two audiences read this page: the patient considering an interventional option, and the professional coordinating the related care or claim.
Injured patients
Patients with pain radiating from the spine into an arm or leg (sciatica, a pinched nerve, or a disc herniation) who want relief without surgery.
Attorneys and case managers
Firms coordinating a spine-injury claim that need the clinical indication, treated level, procedure details, and response documented clearly.
Overview
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection places corticosteroid medication, often with a local anesthetic, into the epidural space around spinal nerves. It may be considered for cervical or lumbar radicular pain caused by conditions such as disc herniation or nerve-root irritation after clinical evaluation.
GTOA states that its epidural injections are performed with fluoroscopic guidance. Contrast may be used when appropriate to confirm needle placement before medication is delivered. Response varies, and the procedure does not by itself establish the cause of an injury or guarantee long-term relief.
Conditions
Conditions and Symptoms It May Address
An epidural steroid injection may be considered for pain that travels from the spine into a limb because of an irritated nerve root.
Herniated or bulging discs
Cervical and lumbar radiculopathy
Sciatica and radiating leg pain
Spinal stenosis
Degenerative disc disease
Post-accident nerve inflammation
The procedure
How an Epidural Steroid Injection Works
The exact approach, medication, preparation, and recovery instructions are confirmed for each patient before the procedure.
1
Review and consent
The clinician confirms the indication and target level, reviews available imaging and medications, and explains potential benefits, alternatives, and risks before consent.
2
Positioning and local anesthetic
Positioning depends on the planned approach. The injection area is cleaned, and local anesthetic is commonly used to numb the skin and deeper tissue.
3
Fluoroscopic needle placement
The physician uses fluoroscopic imaging and, when appropriate, contrast to confirm needle placement at the intended spinal level before medication is delivered.
4
Medication delivery
Corticosteroid medication, sometimes combined with local anesthetic, is placed in the epidural space according to the selected approach and treatment plan.
5
Recovery and discharge
The patient is monitored after the injection and receives individualized activity, medication, warning-sign, and transportation instructions before leaving.
Practical details
What to Expect
Preparation and recovery details vary by approach, medication, medical history, and facility instructions.
Visit
Outpatient
The team confirms check-in, medication, fasting, and transportation instructions before the appointment.
Guidance
Image guided
Fluoroscopy is used to guide placement; contrast may be used unless it is contraindicated.
Response
Varies
Some patients experience short-term improvement in radicular pain or function, while others may not benefit.
Follow-up
Clinician guided
The response and any adverse effects are reviewed before additional treatment is considered.
Outcomes
Potential Benefits, Risks, and Recovery
The clinician reviews expected short-term benefit, alternatives, and patient-specific risks before treatment.
1Benefits
May reduce short-term radicular painMay improve short-term function for some patientsCan support participation in rehabilitation when symptoms improveResponse helps inform the next clinical step
2Risks
Temporary soreness, headache, flushing, or steroid-related effectsBlood-sugar elevation, particularly relevant for diabetesBleeding, infection, dural puncture, or nerve injuryRare but serious neurological complications
3Recovery
Activity follows the discharge instructionsMedication guidance is individualizedNew or worsening symptoms require prompt reviewFollow-up timing is set by the treating clinician
When to call us. Corticosteroids are not FDA-approved for injection into the epidural space. Rare but serious neurological events have been reported. Seek emergency care after an injection for vision changes, sudden weakness or numbness, severe headache, dizziness, seizure, or other rapidly worsening neurological symptoms.
Referral workflow
Referral, Documentation, and Communication
GTOA coordinates referral intake, scheduling, available records, and status communication for patients and authorized legal teams.
Initial evaluation report
History, mechanism of injury, examination findings, diagnosis, and the proposed treatment plan.
Imaging correlation
Available imaging is considered alongside symptoms, examination findings, and the selected spinal level.
Clinical correlation
When clinically appropriate, documentation may discuss how the reported incident, findings, and pre-existing conditions relate.
Procedure and response record
The treated level, approach, guidance, medication, and clinically assessed response are documented as appropriate.
Future care recommendations
The clinician may document additional evaluation, treatment, rehabilitation, or follow-up that should be considered.
Response times
Scheduling and records timing depend on location, clinical need, authorization, record availability, and clinician review. The team confirms the next step for each request.
Referral requestReviewed by the team
SchedulingBased on clinical and authorization needs
Procedure notesAvailable after clinician review
Records requestsConfirmed for each request
Status communicationProvided at key milestones
Cost & coverage
Insurance, Payment, and Case Coordination
Coverage and payment arrangements vary. Contact the team before scheduling so eligibility, authorization, and current options can be confirmed.
Health insurance
Contact GTOA to verify current plan participation, benefits, and any authorization requirements before the procedure.
Qualified injury cases
Lien-based arrangements may be available for qualifying personal injury cases. The team confirms eligibility and terms for each referral.
Self-pay
Patients paying directly can contact the office for current pricing and available payment arrangements.
Why GTOA
Why Choose GTOA?
The same six reasons matter to a patient choosing a clinic and to a firm choosing where to send a client.
01
Clinical indication first
Symptoms, examination findings, available imaging, prior care, and patient-specific risks are reviewed before an injection is recommended.
02
Image-guided placement
GTOA states that epidural injections are performed with fluoroscopic guidance; contrast may be used when appropriate.
03
Individualized decision
The clinician weighs potential short-term benefit against alternatives, contraindications, and the patient's goals.
04
Clear procedure record
Documentation can identify the indication, treated level, approach, guidance, medication, and follow-up plan.
05
Coordinated communication
Patients and authorized legal teams can contact GTOA about scheduling, status questions, and available records.
06
Six Texas clinics
Beaumont, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Arlington, and Corpus Christi provide access to GTOA care across Texas.
Department
Pain management
Other departments
Request care or refer a client
Patients can request care through Contact Us, and legal teams can begin a referral through the For Attorneys page.
Main branch(409) 600-8707
Medical review
Epidural injection specialist
The physician responsible for the medical review of this page.
Our branches
Find a clinic near you
Corporate office: 324 North 23rd Street, Beaumont, TX 77707
Arlington
907(A) Medical Center Drive, Arlington, TX 76012
(409) 600-8690More info about ArlingtonDallas
8330 Lyndon B Johnson Fwy, Suite B400, Dallas, TX 75243
(469) 673-3064More info about DallasSan Antonio
7220 Louis Pasteur Drive, Suite 130, San Antonio, TX 78229
(210) 468-3440More info about San AntonioHouston
8928 Kirby Drive, Houston, TX 77054
(409) 600-8690More info about HoustonBeaumont (Corporate HQ)
324 North 23rd St, Beaumont, TX 77707
(409) 600-8707More info about Beaumont (Corporate HQ)Related care
Related Services
Services that may support evaluation or treatment when symptoms reflect a different pain source or require broader spine care.
For patients
Sensation varies. Local anesthetic is commonly used, and patients may feel pressure or brief discomfort. The clinician explains what to expect for the selected approach.
For attorneys and case managers
Documentation may include the clinical indication, treated level, approach, imaging guidance, contrast use, medication, immediate tolerance, and follow-up instructions.