Thoracic Epidural Steroid Injections in Manhattan, NY

A thoracic epidural steroid injection (TESI) is a procedure performed in your mid-back (thoracic spine), in which a corticosteroid is injected into the space within the bony confines of the spinal canal outside the spinal cord. The purpose of this procedure is to reduce the inflammation that is caused by bulging or herniated discs putting pressure on your spinal nerves.

Patients who experience radiating, sharp mid-back pain who have not responded to conservative treatments like physical therapy, over the counter medications, and RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation), may be a candidate for a TESI. During your consultation, your physician will perform a comprehensive history and physical exam, as well as review any diagnostic imaging to determine if you would benefit from a TESI.

All TESI’s are performed in our in-office AAAASF surgical suite and can be done with conscious sedation if needed. We use live x-ray guidance to target the specific vertebral level that corresponds to your area of pain. During the procedure, your physician will use a contrast medication to ensure proper placement and spread of the medication throughout the epidural space. This is the area just outside the spinal cord where the inflamed nerves lie. Once placement of the needle is confirmed a steroid solution is injected. The procedure takes less than 30 minutes and there is little to no downtime. Patients who receive sedation for their procedure will need to recover in our recovery room for 20-30 minutes before being discharged.

If you are experiencing mid-back or flank pain and want to know if a thoracic epidural steroid injection is the right treatment option for you, please call our midtown Manhattan office to book a consultation.