LUMBAR EPIDURAL

What is a Lumbar 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.

How does it work?

The patient lies 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 local anesthetic is used to numb the skin. All the tissue down to the surface of the lamina portion of the lumbar vertebra bone is anesthetized. The Pain MD Houston physician slides a thicker needle through the anesthetized track.

Using a fluoroscope for guidance, the physician slides the needle toward the epidural space between the L-4 and L-5 vertebra. A contrast solution is injected. The Pain MD Houston physician uses the fluoroscope to confirm the correct location of the needle tip.

A steroid-anesthetics mix is injected into the epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with soothing medication.

The needle is removed, and a small bandage is applied to cover the tiny needle surface wound. 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 Pain MD Houston patients get significant relief from only one or two injections.

You Have Options

We have seen that a number of clinics focus on one or two modalities for treatment. The problem is that pain is neurological and that means “it’s complex”. There are a wide variety of therapies, products, at-home activities, procedures and medicines that can be used and we believe there’s a place for all. Determining which (or combination thereof) is right for you is a process for you and your Pain MD to work together on.

Those could be laser ablation, spinal cord stimulation, Ketamine infusions, Platelet Rich Plasma, Steroid injections, Stem cell therapy, Botox, trigger point injections and much more!