Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
(Fluoroscopic-Guided Injection to Reduce Lower Back and Leg Pain)
Overview
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve lower back and leg pain caused by inflammation or compression of spinal nerves. This type of pain often stems from conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease.
The procedure involves injecting corticosteroid medication into the epidural space in the lumbar spine to reduce nerve inflammation and improve symptoms.
Conditions commonly treated with LESI
- Lumbar radiculopathy (sciatica)
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Post-laminectomy syndrome (Failed Back Surgery Syndrome)
- Nerve pain related to auto or workplace injuries
What are the risks and side effects?
Risks and side effects are minimal, and serious complications are rare. We take every precaution to ensure your safety. Potential risks may include but are not limited to:
- Vasovagal response (fainting or dizziness)
- New or increased pain
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Permanent skin changes
- Allergic or unexpected drug reaction with minor or major consequences
- Unintended spinal or nerve injury
Ask your provider if you have any concerns. Your physician will review the risks in detail before the procedure to ensure you are fully informed.
Pre-Procedure Information
How Should I Prepare?
- Driver Required: We request you to arrange for someone to drive you home.
- Food: You may eat a light meal 1–2 hours before the procedure. If sedation is planned, please follow the sedation protocol provided.
Medications
- Continue regular medications unless advised otherwise.
-
Blood thinners, NSAIDs, aspirin, and supplements:
- Inform us if you are taking any blood thinners (e.g., Eliquis, Plavix, Xarelto), NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen), aspirin, or supplements with blood-thinning properties.
- These may need to be stopped temporarily before your injection.
- Consult your primary care physician to confirm it is safe to hold these medications.
- Our team will guide you based on your medication list and coordinate as needed.
Notify us if:
- You have a fever, infection, or are feeling unwell.
- You are taking antibiotics.
Sedation
Most procedures can be performed comfortably without sedation. However, if you have anxiety or difficulty lying flat, mild sedation may be offered at the discretion of the physician. Please discuss this with your provider in advance.
Special Instructions for Diabetic Patients
Steroid injections may raise blood sugar levels for several days.
- Please contact your primary care physician or endocrinologist prior to the procedure for management recommendations.
- Monitor your glucose closely after the injection.
- Report sustained elevations to your managing provider.
What if I am pregnant?
There are serious potential risks to an unborn fetus from imaging used during this procedure (e.g., X-ray/fluoroscopy). If there is any chance you may be pregnant, please notify our team immediately and postpone the injection until pregnancy is ruled out.
Procedure Details
The procedure is performed using sterile technique and fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance.
What to Expect:
Preparation:
- You will lie face down on a procedure table.
- The skin is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Injection Process:
- A needle is guided into the epidural space in the lumbar spine.
- A small amount of contrast dye confirms proper placement.
- A corticosteroid is injected to reduce inflammation and nerve irritation.
Monitoring:
- You will be monitored during the procedure to ensure comfort and safety.
- Most procedures last 15–30 minutes, followed by a brief recovery period on-site.
Post-Procedure Information
What to Expect After the Procedure
- Relief timeline: Steroids typically begin to work within 2 to 5 days, but in some cases may take up to 2 weeks.
- Activity:You may resume light activities the next day; avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours. We recommend you return to work the following day.
- Soreness: Temporary soreness at the injection site is common.
- Pain tracking: Keep a log of symptoms over the next 1–2 weeks.
If successful, additional injections may be scheduled. Typically, no more than 3–4 injections per year are performed in a given spinal region.
Additional Instructions
- Contact the office for any signs of infection, fever, worsening pain or new weakness or sensory changes.
- Attend follow-up as scheduled.
Schedule a Consultation
If you're experiencing lower back pain, leg numbness, or sciatica, a lumbar epidural steroid injection may help reduce inflammation and improve your quality of life. Contact Restore Spine and Pain today to schedule a consultation and explore your options.