Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections in Louisiana
A lumbar epidural steroid injection relieves lower back pain and pain that radiates down the legs. The steroid medication reduces swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions such as herniated discs and spinal stenosis. LA Pain Doctor performs lumbar epidural injections for patients in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA.
Request an AppointmentHow Lumbar Epidural Injections Relieve Pain
The spinal nerves in your lower back branch out to your hips, buttocks, legs, and feet. When a disc bulges, the spinal canal narrows, or bone spurs form, these nerves can become compressed and inflamed. That inflammation causes the sharp, burning, or aching pain known as sciatica. A lumbar epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space around the irritated nerves, reducing swelling so pain can ease.
Conditions Treated
- Herniated and bulging discs
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy
- Pain related to spinal fractures and other spine conditions
What to Expect During the Injection
You will lie face down while your provider cleans and numbs the skin of your lower back. Using fluoroscopy, a thin needle is guided into the epidural space between two vertebrae, and contrast dye confirms the correct location. A mixture of steroid and local anesthetic is then injected. The procedure typically takes 15 to 30 minutes.
You may feel some relief right away from the anesthetic. The steroid begins working within two to seven days, and relief can last for weeks or months. Some patients benefit from a series of injections, and many use the period of relief to strengthen their core through physical therapy.
Choosing the Right Epidural Approach
There are three ways to deliver an epidural injection in the lower back. This interlaminar approach treats a broader area, a transforaminal epidural targets a single nerve root, and a caudal epidural enters near the tailbone. Your provider will choose the approach that fits your anatomy and symptoms. If your pain is from the joints instead of the nerves, facet joint injections or sacroiliac joint injections may help. Explore our lower back pain treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
What does a lumbar epidural steroid injection treat?
It treats lower back pain and radiating leg pain caused by inflamed nerves from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease.
How long does a lumbar epidural injection last?
Relief often lasts several weeks to months. Results vary based on your condition.
Is the procedure painful?
The skin is numbed first, and most patients feel only pressure during the injection.
How many injections can I have?
Most patients can safely receive a limited number of epidural steroid injections per year. Your provider will create a plan for you.
Can an epidural injection help sciatica?
Yes. Epidural steroid injections are one of the most common and effective non-surgical treatments for sciatica.
What should I do after the injection?
Take it easy for the rest of the day, and resume normal activities the next day unless your provider advises otherwise.
Where can I get a lumbar epidural injection?
LA Pain Doctor performs lumbar epidural steroid injections at our offices in Metairie, LaPlace, Harvey, Hammond, and Lutcher, LA. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office to schedule.
Get Relief From Lower Back and Leg Pain
Don’t let sciatica slow you down. Call (504) 229-4866 - Metairie Office , (504) 229-4866 - Laplace Office , (504) 229-4866 - Harvey Office , (504) 229-4866 - Hammond Office or (504) 229-4866 - Lutcher Office or request an appointment online today.