Steroid injections for sciatica are usually given at one or two areas in the spine at a time. This prevents the build up of the drug and avoids the overall effects on the body. Even better, today's technology allows physicians to use a special kind of X-ray (fluoroscopy) to guide the needle directly to the problem area. The medication is injected directly in the area of the irritated nerve.

Without the benefit of guided injection, the medication may miss the mark entirely. In this case, further injections are required and complications such as bleeding, headache, or infection can occur.