Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are a frequently used treatment for pain originating from the spine. Often these injections are used to quiet down irritated spinal nerves. Some conditions that are treated with epidural steroid injections include herniated discs and spinal stenosis.

Lumbar epidural steroid injections involve injecting a steroid into the epidural space of the lumbar spinal canal where irritated nerve roots are located. The injected medications may include both a long-lasting steroid and a local anesthetic. The goal of the injection is to decrease inflammation of the nerve roots, hopefully reducing the pain that may originate from the spine.

The epidural injection may help the injury to heal by reducing inflammation. It may provide prolonged or provide a period of pain relief for several months while the injury/cause of pain is healing.

All injections are performed under fluoroscopy (x-ray) guidance.

What can you expect after the injection?

You may have some numbness around your back area for a few hours. After 24-36 hours, the steroids will begin to take effect, and you start feeling pain relief. Additional epidural steroid injections may be required for your treatment based on the response to the initial injection.