Epidural steroid injections have become a mainstay in the treatment of pinched nerves and herniated discs.   The procedure is done under fluroscopy (a real time x-ray so the doctor knows where the needle is going) and involves injecting anti-inflammatories around the nerves in the spine.  Since many herniated discs involve some chemical radiculitis, this can help calm down the swelling and prevent scarring around the nerve roots.  Expect to be numb for a few hours after the procedure, then sore for a few days (after the numbing medicine wears off and before the anti-inflammatory kicks in).