When do you need epidural steroid injections?

Failed other options: Epidurals are often used to help relieve pain from an inflammed disc or pinched nerve. These may be used to relieve back pain after a conservative trial of medication, physical therapy, and rest.

Epdural: An epidural injection is useful when you have a radiculopathy or a pinched nerve in your neck or back.

Never: Nobody ever "needs" an epidural. It is an elective procedure that is part of the treatment continuum for disc disease of the spine and often a less invasive prelude to possibly surgery as an option. Epidurals typically work best on patients with newer onset symptoms of sciatica or radiculopathy. It is an option, but never a "must do". I say this as an interventional pain specialist.

Only when you: are still in pain from sciatica due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis or even facet arthropathy after completing a round of conservative care. This typically means you have tried medications, exercise, therapy and no help to your pain has been attained during that time.