What is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is an injection of a steroid medication into the space around the spinal nerves in your low back. It is used to help manage the pain in your low back, that may radiate into your hips, legs, and feet. They are among the most common type of injection for managing radicular pain.Why is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection performed?
Lumbar epidural steroid injections are performed to help manage radicular pain – sciatica – which can radiate from the low back down the back of the leg to the calf or foot and can cause pain, numbness, muscle weakness, and tingling. There are a number of conditions which can cause this pain, including:- Herniated disc
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Osteoarthritis, or lumbar spondylosis
How is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Performed?
After getting situated on your stomach on the table, the area will be thoroughly cleaned and the doctor will inject the area with an anesthetic to numb the area. Next, the epidural needle will be inserted and a contrast material will be injected to ensure that the needle is in the correct position. A mixture of anesthetic and corticosteroid medication will then be injected into the area.What should I expect after a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
You may experience a temporary increase in pain for two or three days before the steroid medications take effect. There may be tenderness at the injection site. If there is, you may use ice for 20 minutes on and off to help alleviate the pain. If you are diabetic, there may be an elevation in your blood sugar, so monitor it closely for the next couple of days. It may also increase your blood pressure and eye pressure temporarily, if you have glaucoma. There are possible risks and complications, such as:- Low blood pressure
- Severe headache
- Infection
- Hot flashes or rash from the medications
- Bleeding
- Temporary loss of control of bladder or bowels
- Weakening of the bones or nearby muscles due to getting injections too often. Limit injections to 2 – 3 per year.
