Epidural Steroid Injection Inland Empire

If shooting pain down the leg, numbness, or stubborn low-back pain is keeping you from work, sleep, or walking, a lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) is one of the most common next steps after physical therapy and medications. At University Pain Consultants, our board-certified pain physicians perform these injections under live X-ray (fluoroscopy) at offices in Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino.

Call 951-784-7111 · Choose your location

Offices: Riverside · Corona · Menifee · Temecula · Hemet · San Bernardino

Insurance-based care: University Pain Consultants accepts most major insurance plans at all six locations. Coverage for procedures depends on your plan and medical necessity; our staff verifies benefits before your procedure when possible. Cash-pay regenerative options (PRP, ketamine, and related therapies) are separate at upcregenmed.com (Riverside & Menifee).

Who this is for

Sciatica / lumbar radiculopathy (pain, tingling, or numbness into the buttock, thigh, or leg)
Low back pain with a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve-root inflammation
Patients who have tried rest, activity modification, PT, or medications without enough relief
People across the Inland Empire who want a targeted, image-guided option that may reduce inflammation around the nerve

Who may not be a good candidate

Active infection, certain bleeding risks, or uncontrolled medical issues (we screen before scheduling)
Pain that is clearly not nerve-related (we’ll say so and redirect care)
Expectation of a permanent “cure” from one injection — ESI reduces inflammation and supports recovery; it is not a guarantee

We’ll be direct in consult if an epidural is unlikely to help.

What an epidural steroid injection is (plain language)

A lumbar ESI places anti-inflammatory steroid (often with a small amount of local anesthetic) into the epidural space around the irritated spinal nerves in the low back. At UPC this is done awake, with local anesthesia to the skin, under fluoroscopy so we confirm needle position before injecting — the same approach whether you schedule in Riverside, Temecula, Corona, Menifee, Hemet, or San Bernardino.

It is not the same as labor epidural anesthesia, and it is not surgery.

Does a lumbar epidural hurt?

Most patients feel pressure more than sharp pain once the skin is numb. The key is thorough local anesthetic and waiting for it to work before continuing — we don’t rush that step. Many patients are surprised they did not need IV sedation.

What to expect

Evaluation — history, exam, and review of imaging (MRI/CT when available) at the UPC office most convenient for you
Procedure visit — usually outpatient; local anesthetic to the skin; fluoroscopy-guided needle placement; injection
Aftercare — mild soreness for a day or two is common; steroid benefit often builds over several days
Follow-up — we assess response and plan next steps

Six University Pain Consultants locations

We provide this care across Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino, CA — one practice, six offices.

Riverside — 6900 Brockton Ave. #203, Riverside, CA 92506
Corona — 2083 Compton Ave. #104, Corona, CA 92881
Menifee — 27990 Sherman Road, Menifee, CA 92585
Temecula — 27450 Ynez Road #202, Temecula, CA 92591
Hemet — 3989 West Stetson Ave. #102, Hemet, CA 92545
San Bernardino — 164 West Hospitality Lane #5, San Bernardino, CA 92408

Also serving nearby communities including Moreno Valley, Murrieta, Perris, Lake Elsinore, Wildomar, Norco, Eastvale, Redlands, Rialto, Colton, Fontana, and Yucaipa.

Main: 951-784-7111 · Fax: 951-823-5000 · All locations & maps

FAQ

Can I have this done near Temecula / Corona / Menifee?
Yes. Lumbar ESIs are offered across our six Inland Empire locations — Riverside, Corona, Menifee, Temecula, Hemet, and San Bernardino. Call 951-784-7111 to schedule at the office that fits you.

Will I be put to sleep?
Usually no. We use local anesthesia. Staying awake is common and often preferred so you can tell us what you feel.

How long does relief last?
It varies. Some patients get days to months of improvement; others need a short series or a different approach.

Can I drive myself home?
Many patients do when no sedation is used — confirm with your physician the day of the procedure.

Is this covered by insurance?
Often yes when medically necessary and authorized by your plan. Our team helps verify coverage.

Ready to talk about a lumbar epidural at a UPC location near you?

Call 951-784-7111 · Choose your location

Offices: Riverside · Corona · Menifee · Temecula · Hemet · San Bernardino

Educational information only — not personal medical advice. Individual results and risks vary. Ask your physician whether this treatment is appropriate for you.