Chronic back and nerve pain can take over your life—limiting movement, affecting sleep, and preventing you from enjoying even simple day-to-day tasks. At the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio, our mission is to restore your comfort, mobility, and quality of life through advanced, minimally invasive pain-relief procedures.
Led by Osama Ahmed, MD, FAANS, a highly respected board-certified neurosurgeon, our clinic provides evidence-based spinal pain treatments, including epidural steroid injections, spinal nerve block injections, facet joint injections, sciatica pain relief procedures, and lumbar epidural injections. In this in-depth guide, you’ll learn how each injection works, who may benefit, what to expect during treatment, and why so many patients turn to the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio for long-lasting relief.
Why Choose Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio?
✔ Expert Care From a Fellowship-Trained Neurosurgeon
Dr Osama Ahmed, MD, FAANS, specialises in the identification and treatment of complex spinal conditions. His deep understanding of nerve, muscle, and spinal anatomy allows him to perform precision-guided injections for maximum results and minimal discomfort.
✔ Advanced Imaging and Minimally Invasive Techniques
We use fluoroscopy (live X-ray guidance) to ensure perfect needle placement—improving effectiveness while reducing potential complications.
✔ Personalised Treatment Plans
No two patients experience pain the same way. We tailor every injection and follow-up strategy to the individual.
✔ Convenient Location & Easy Scheduling
Visit us at:
???? 12709 Toepperwein Rd, Suite 101, Live Oak, TX 78233
???? Call: (210) 625-4733
Our team is ready to help you schedule your consultation promptly.
- Epidural Steroid Injections for Back Pain in San Antonio, TX
What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
An epidural steroid injection (ESI) delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves. This is one of the most effective, widely used nonsurgical treatments for chronic back and leg pain.
Conditions Treated With ESIs
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Sciatica
- Spinal stenosis
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Chronic lower back pain
When inflammation presses on nerves in the spine, patients may experience pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness. The corticosteroid reduces swelling, allowing the nerve to calm down and function normally again.
How the Procedure Works
Dr Ahmed performs epidural steroid injections using real-time fluoroscopic guidance for accuracy. A local anesthetic is applied, and the targeted medication is delivered through a thin needle with minimal discomfort.
Most patients notice improvement within several days, and relief may last for weeks or months.
- Spinal Nerve Block Injection in San Antonio, TX
What Is a Nerve Block?
A spinal nerve block involves injecting anesthetic medication near a spinal nerve root that is generating pain. Unlike an epidural, which bathes multiple nerves, a nerve block targets a specific nerve branch.
Who Can Benefit?
Nerve block injections may help patients suffering from:
- Pinched nerves
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sciatica symptoms
- Nerve inflammation from disc injuries
- Shooting leg pain
- Persistent nerve-related back pain
Why a Nerve Block May Be Recommended
Nerve blocks can serve two purposes:
- Diagnostic – to identify the exact source of pain
- Therapeutic – to deliver immediate pain relief
Because they temporarily turn off pain transmission, nerve blocks help confirm whether a specific nerve root is responsible for your discomfort—and can significantly reduce inflammation.
- Facet Joint Injections in San Antonio, TX
Understanding Facet Joint Pain
Facet joints are located between vertebrae and help stabilise the spine while enabling twisting and bending. When these joints become inflamed—often due to arthritis, age, or repetitive stress—they can cause chronic neck or lower back pain.
How Facet Joint Injections Help
Dr Ahmed injects a small amount of anesthetic and steroid medication directly into the facet joints. This reduces swelling inside the joint capsule and dulls pain signals.
Symptoms That Indicate Facet Joint Problems
- Pain when leaning backward
- Discomfort when twisting the spine
- Lower back pain worsens when standing
- Localised tenderness near the spine
These injections offer both fast relief and clearer insight into the source of spinal pain.
- Pain Relief Injections for Sciatica in San Antonio, TX
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, leading to radiating pain down the leg—sometimes accompanied by numbness or burning sensations. At the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio, we offer multiple injection options tailored to the underlying cause of sciatica.
Types of Injections Used for Sciatica Relief
- Lumbar epidural steroid injections
- Selective nerve root blocks
- Facet joint injections (when the facet joints trigger sciatic pain)
Common Causes of Sciatica
- Herniated discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Postural or muscular compression
- Nerve inflammation
Our customised treatment approach aims not only to relieve pain but also to restore mobility and help prevent future flare-ups.
- Lumbar Epidural Injection Specialist in San Antonio, TX
Lumbar epidural injections target the lower spine, where many patients experience chronic discomfort due to disc issues, nerve compression, or arthritis. As a neurosurgeon specialising in spinal care, Dr Osama Ahmed, MD, FAANS, uses advanced techniques to ensure optimal precision and pain relief.
Benefits of Lumbar Epidural Injections
- Reduces inflammation around compressed nerve roots
- Improves the ability to stand, walk, and exercise
- Provides nonsurgical relief for chronic lower back pain
- May delay or eliminate the need for spinal surgery
These injections are especially beneficial for patients experiencing pain radiating into the thighs, hips, or legs.
- Sciatica Pain Treatment in San Antonio, TX
At the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio, sciatica treatment involves a comprehensive, step-by-step approach tailored to each patient’s symptoms, age, activity level, and spinal health.
Our Sciatica Treatment Plans May Include:
- Epidural steroid injections
- Spinal nerve blocks
- Facet joint injections
- Physical therapy
- Lifestyle and ergonomic recommendations
- Imaging-guided diagnostic evaluation
The goal is not only to control pain but to treat the root cause of sciatic nerve irritation.
Meet Your Specialist: Osama Ahmed, MD, FAANS – Neurosurgeon
Dr Ahmed is a fellowship-trained neurosurgeon with extensive experience treating spinal disorders, nerve compression, and chronic pain conditions. His scientific expertise, combined with compassion-driven care, makes him one of San Antonio’s most trusted spine specialists.
Patients choose Dr Ahmed for:
- Advanced minimally invasive techniques
- Accurate diagnosis and treatment planning
- Personalised guidance throughout the recovery process
- A commitment to long-term patient wellness
Contact the Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio
If you are living with chronic back pain, sciatica, or nerve-related discomfort, we’re here to help.
???? Brain and Spine Institute of San Antonio
12709 Toepperwein Rd, Suite 101, Live Oak, TX 78233
???? Call Today: (210) 625-4733
Get expert-level, compassionate care from a spine specialist who understands what you’re going through.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How long do epidural steroid injections last?
Most patients experience relief lasting anywhere from several weeks to several months. Duration depends on the severity of nerve inflammation and overall spinal health.
- Are spinal nerve block injections painful?
A local anesthetic is used, so discomfort is minimal. Most patients describe pressure rather than pain.
- How do I know if facet joint injections are right for me?
If your pain worsens with twisting, bending, or standing, and is localised near the spine, you may be a good candidate. Dr Ahmed will confirm this through examination and imaging.
- Can injections cure sciatica permanently?
Injections can significantly reduce inflammation and promote nerve healing, but long-term results depend on the underlying cause. Many patients experience long-lasting relief.
- Is surgery the next step if injections don’t work?
Not always. Many nonsurgical treatments remain available even if injections provide limited relief. Surgery is only considered when necessary.