Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

Inflammation in the lumbar spine from herniated discs, spinal stenosis and degenerative disease can cause chronic lower back, hip and leg pain. One of the treatments that can be used to reduce lumbar spine inflammation and pain is a lumbar epidural steroid injection. At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we create comprehensive treatment plans for chronic lower back pain. Steroid injections are one treatment option to give our patients relief and a better quality of life.

Degenerative diseases and injuries to the lumbar spine can impact nerves that affect the lower back, hips and legs. Nerve roots are located in the lower spine and become irritated by inflammation. Spinal discs that bulge or leak due to degenerative disease or damage can cause inflammation. Spinal stenosis can put pressure on the tissues and cause inflammation that affects surrounding nerves. Reducing inflammation in the epidural space around the spinal cord can help reduce back and radiating pain in the hips and legs. This is common if the sciatic nerve is affected.

Relief from Lower Back Pain

Lumbar epidural steroid injections can be used as a minimally-invasive treatment option for lower back and radiating pain. These injections are completed by using a local anesthetic to numb the area. Then, a steroid injection is guided through x-rays or imaging to the epidural space near the source of the inflammation. The benefit of this procedure is a direct infusion of a strong anti-inflammatory steroid to the spinal area, limiting the side effects of the steroid on the rest of the body. Within a few days, the inflammation can dissipate, relieving irritation on the nerve roots located in the lumbar region.

If you have chronic pain in the lower back or sciatica pain in the hips or legs, a lumbar epidural steroid injection may be an option to give you relief. Contact Medici Orthopaedics & Spine to schedule a consultation to discuss beginning a treatment plan for managing your chronic back or sciatica pain.