This procedure is an injection that numbs branches of nerves in your lower back. It helps doctors find and treat a number of problems linked to these nerves. Usually, a series of injections is needed to treat a problem.

The procedure begins with a patient resting on his/her stomach or side. The patient is then given medicine to make him/her feel relaxed. The skin and tissue at the injection site is numbed. The physician inserts a needle and carefully guides it to the sympathetic nerves. The physician typically uses an x-ray device called a “fluoroscope.” This shows a video image of the needle’s position.

Next, the physician injects medicine. It bathes the nerves. It can numb the nerves and reduce inflammation. If these nerves have been a source of pain, the medicine can relieve it.

This injection procedure relieves lower back pain and radiating leg pain. The steroid medication can be a remedy for spinal conditions that include spinal stenosis, herniated discs and sciatica.

To begin, the patient rests on a cushion placed underneath his/her stomach. This cushion provides comfort and also flexes the lumbar spine, opening it up and allowing for the doctor to have easy access to the painful area. Using a fluoroscope, the doctor identifies the lumbar vertebrae and nerve root, and a local anesthetic is applied to the surrounding tissue.

A thin needled is then inserted into the space near the nerve root, and a contrast solution is injected to confirm the correct location of the pain. A steroid-anesthetics mix is then injected to relieve the irritated nerve root.

A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection is designed to reduce pain that occurs in the lower back or that radiates through the legs. The steroid medication helps to reduce the swelling and inflammation that result from spinal conditions.

The procedure begins with a patient resting on his/her stomach with a cushion positioned underneath the stomach. Not only does the cushion provide comfort, it also helps to flex the spine and open up the epidural space for easier access. The vertebrae and nerve root are identified, and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the surrounding tissue.

A larger needle is then inserted into the epidural space and a contrast solution is injected enabling the physician to identify the painful area. Finally, a steroid-anesthetics mix is injected to soothe the irritated nerve root.