Epidural Steroid Injections

The epidural space lies in between the bony canal in your spine and the spinal cord. There are five portions of your spine, the neck (cervical), mid back (thoracic), low back (lumbar), pelvis (sacrum), tailbone (coccyx). The epidural space runs the length of the spine and contains the spinal cord and exiting spinal nerves. The nerves can be irritated by many sources as they travel through the epidural space, including compression from herniated discs, degenerative changes involving the spinal ligaments, discs, facet joints, bone spurs, and malalignment of the spine. As a result of irritation, inflammation, injury to a spinal nerve, the spinal nerve roots can become a significant and disabling source of pain.

Epidural steroid injections (ESIs) have been used as a non-surgical way to treat low back and neck pain. These procedures typically involve the injection of a solution containing corticosteroids and/or anesthetic into the epidural space.

The ESI can be performed in three ways.

Interlaminar (ILESI) approaches the epidural space from the midline back-side of the spine through the opening in between two bones of your spine called the ‘interlaminar window’.

In the transforaminal approach (TFESI), the injection is done at the openings on either side of the spinal column where nerves exit the spine. The caudal approach (caudal ESI) enters through the sacral hiatus at the sacral canal to access the epidural space.

Sometimes a surgeon will request a “selective nerve root block”. These are usually anesthetic only injections performed around a single spinal nerve to help identify the source of your pain.

What Our Patients Are Saying...

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I’ve been a patient of Dr. Derrick Wansom for several years. I have multiple issues that cause me major pain. He has always managed to keep me comfortable. He is a quiet, patient man…… always listening to me, & I’ve never been rushed. He asks appropriate questions, & then gives me my options. He has a nice new office with most of his services conveniently available on site. If you need a good Pain Management physician that genuinely cares, he’s the one!

-Kathy Henneke

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I was referred to Dr. Sarna by my primary care doctor who felt I needed someone who was compassionate, and very skilled. The other groups I have been too were usually missing one, if not both, of these criteria. Dr. Sarna fit the bill for both. After years of pain management doctors with little success I finally got relief from my neck pain with some specific, and fairly easy – for me – injections. They actually worked. I credit this success to the expertise, knowledge, and skill level of this doctor. Would definitely recommend this physician as the best!

-Janice T

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Dr Sarna is an Amazing Physician!
He found All the areas that I needed to have corrected so my pain would go away. He explained what was happening in detail and how it can be corrected. The whole group of Assistance are very knowledgeable, helpful, caring, and very kind! I would recommend Dr Sarna and his staff anyone and everyone. What an amazing experience!!

-Robert Roberts

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Dr. Derrick Wansom is a wonderful doctor. He has been my doctor for several years. He also treats my mother who was In horrific car accident . He puts patients needs first. He is also very caring. He takes the time to understand each and every patients needs. The care that he has provided to my family at the absolute worst time in our lives was OUTSTANDING. The front desk was very accommodating and super friendly. She is definitely the best assistant I have seen in years. I highly recommend Dr. Derrick Wansom at Lone Star Spine & Pain Institute.

-Rhonda Janda

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Dr Sarna is superior in his skills, knowledge, and bedside manner. He helped me in an urgent situation and took excellent care of me throughout my treatment. He really does care about you as a patient. He discussed thoroughly my options, then helped me make the right choice for me. I am a RN and very picky about choosing doctors and other providers. Dr Sarna went above and beyond my expectations for the services I received.

-Jennifer Eagle

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I would recommend Dr. Wansom to all. I have been dealing with chronic pain for years. He is one that cares about quality of life. He has sat down with me to hear about my pain and their levels. He has come up with a good plan for me to live more comfortably.

-Don Aylesworth

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Excellent experience ! Dr Khan is very knowledgeable , has a great personality the talent to explain the course of suggested treatment in simple words , and the priceless human kindness ! I will highly recommend Dr Khan to my friends!

-Natalia T

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Delighted that Dr. Wansom is opening at a new location! Looking forward to further treatment for a veteran friend of mine. Do you know when you can hear someone smiling through their voice over the phone? When I called for an appointment, the gal in the office was delightful and helpful in answering questions and navigating with insurance. Looking forward to the next treatment with Dr. Wansom at the new location. It is so great to find alternative therapies to back pain which is not driven with pills.

-Annie Pryor

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I had my first appointment at Lone Star Spine & Pain Institute last week. I have been to a few different Pain Specialist and for the first time, I had an overall great experience. The facilities were very nice and clean, the staff and front desk person was very friendly and personable. Dr. Wansom and his new practice is the best that you will find in the Austin, San Antonio and all areas in between that you will find.

-J.K.