Lumbar and Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections in Westover Hills

A lumbar or cervical epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure designed to deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly to the area surrounding a compressed or irritated spinal nerve. Patients generally report feeling minimal discomfort, often described as a slight pinch or pressure when the needle is inserted.

Before the injection, the area is thoroughly cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic to minimize pain. During the procedure, patients lie on a specially designed table that allows the physician to position the spine accurately, ensuring that the medication is delivered precisely to the targeted nerve or nerve root. Some patients feel a mild pressure or tingling as the steroid enters the epidural space, but the procedure is typically well tolerated and brief, usually taking less than 30 minutes.

Precision and safety are top priorities at San Antonio Pain Consultants. Dr. Darius Zagunis uses advanced imaging guidance to accurately place the needle in the epidural space. This ensures that the medication reaches the specific area of inflammation while minimizing risk to surrounding nerves and tissues.

In addition to imaging, the clinic follows strict sterile techniques and carefully reviews each patient’s medical history, medications, and imaging studies before the procedure. He also monitors patients closely during and after the injection to address any discomfort or adverse reactions. By combining technology, experience, and individualized patient assessment, the clinic ensures injections are both safe and effective, optimizing outcomes while minimizing risk.

Pain relief from an epidural steroid injection can vary depending on the severity of nerve inflammation, the location of the injection, and the individual’s response. Some patients notice immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which can last a few hours, while the steroid’s full anti-inflammatory effect may take several days to a week.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, patients are counseled on realistic expectations. Our clinic monitors each patient’s response and may schedule follow-up visits to assess pain reduction and functional improvement. For some, a series of injections spaced over weeks may provide longer-lasting relief, especially when combined with physical therapy, activity modification, and supportive care.

The goal is not just temporary pain relief but also improvement in mobility, reduced inflammation, and long-term function, helping patients resume daily activities and maintain quality of life.

Candidates for lumbar or cervical epidural steroid injections typically include patients who experience persistent nerve-related pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness due to conditions like the following:

● Herniated or bulging discs
● Spinal stenosis or nerve compression
● Radiculopathy affecting the arms or legs
● Chronic low back or neck pain that has not responded to conservative therapies

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, each patient undergoes a comprehensive evaluation to ensure the injection is appropriate. This includes reviewing medical history, imaging studies, and previous treatments. Patients with certain medical conditions or contraindications, such as active infections or blood clotting disorders, may require alternative therapies.

Dr. Zagunis emphasizes that the procedure is part of a holistic pain management plan, often combined with physical therapy, medication adjustments, and lifestyle modifications, to maximize effectiveness and reduce the need for surgery.

At San Antonio Pain Consultants, epidural steroid injections are provided as part of a comprehensive approach to spinal and nerve-related pain. Patients receive personalized care from evaluation to follow-up, ensuring that each injection is carefully tailored to their anatomy, diagnosis, and pain patterns.

Our clinic provides education on the procedure, expected outcomes, and post-procedure care, helping patients feel informed and comfortable. Dr. Zagunis and his team monitor patients closely, providing guidance on activity restrictions, symptom tracking, and adjunctive therapies to enhance recovery.

By integrating advanced imaging, precise injection techniques, and patient-centered care, San Antonio Pain Consultants ensures that epidural steroid injections provide effective pain relief, improved function, and reduced reliance on long-term medications or invasive procedures.

Patients benefit from a safe, evidence-based, and individualized treatment experience, supporting both short-term comfort and long-term spinal health. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 3903 Wiseman Blvd, Ste 117, San Antonio, TX 78251. We serve patients from San Antonio TX, Helotes TX, Alamo Ranch TX, Leon Valley TX, Shavano Park TX, Balcones Heights TX, Fair Oaks TX, Fair Oaks Ranch TX, Castroville TX, and surrounding areas.