What is a lumbar epidural steroid injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is performed to help diagnose and treat the cause of your back and leg pain.  The lumbar nerves travel from your back to your legs.  Pressure or irritation of these nerves will result in back and leg pain.  The most common reason this might occur is with disc degeneration, herniated disc, and spinal stenosis.  By using local anesthetic and “turning off” the nerve for a short time, we can have some idea as to the cause of your pain.  In addition, by placing a small amount of steroid onto the nerve and epidural space, we can help relieve the swelling and inflammation causing your pain.

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How is the procedure performed?
We may start an intravenous line so that we can give you medication to relax you.  A small needle will be inserted in your back near the spine.  The needle will be inserted under fluoroscopy (a type of x-ray machine).  This helps your doctor guide the needle to its correct location.  When the needle is in the correct position, local anesthetic and steroid will be injected to temporarily “turn off” the nerve and decrease the inflammation.  The procedure is fairly short and you will be watched closely by our nurses in the recovery room after the procedure.

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What can you expect after the procedure?
You may notice a little numbness or muscle weakness in your legs.  These symptoms usually last only a few hours and are due to the local anesthetic placed on the nerve.  The steroid will start working in 24-36 hours, but may take up to one week to reduce the inflammation around the nerve root and decrease your level of pain.  You will need someone to drive you home after the procedure.  You will be able to continue all normal activities the next day.

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What are the side effects?
Anything more than a small amount of pain, bleeding or swelling at the site of the injection is unusual.  It is best to apply ice compresses in the first 24 hours, followed by heat after 24 hours, in short durations, usually 20 minutes at a time.  Please continue your regular medications.  If you are experiencing other difficulties or side effects, call our office at 742-7030 so that we may recommend further action.