What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?
This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain. Steroid medication can reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions. In some cases, it may be necessary to repeat the procedure as many as three times to get the full benefit of the medication. Many patients get significant relief from only one or two injections.
Fluoroscopic Guidance
The patient lays face down. A cushion under the stomach area provides comfort and flexes the back. In this position, the spine opens and allows for easier access to the epidural space. A fluoroscope assists the physician in locating the appropriate lumbar vertebra and nerve root. A local anesthetic is used to numb the skin.
Needle Guided
Using the fluoroscope for guidance, the physician slides the needle toward the epidural space between the L-4 and L-5 vertebra.
Tissue Anesthetized
All the tissue down to the surface of the lamina portion of the lumbar vertebra bone is anesthetized.
Larger Needle Inserted
The physician slides a thicker needle through the anesthetized track.
End of Procedure
If there is no significant relief, another level may be treated to see if that is the source of pain. If the pain improves soon after the procedure, an injection providing more long-term relief may be performed at that level.
Contrast Dye Injected
A contrast solution is injected. The physician uses the fluoroscope to see the painful areas and to confirm the correct location of the needle tip.
Steroids Injected
A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with medication.
