OUR SERVICES
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Advanced Relief for Lower Back Pain
Chronic lower back pain, often accompanied by sharp, radiating pain down the leg (sciatica), can make even the simplest tasks feel impossible. If conservative treatments like rest, physical therapy, or oral medication have failed to provide the relief you need, a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (LESI) may be the solution. At New South Medical, we use precision-guided interventional techniques to target nerve inflammation and help you get back to your active lifestyle.
What is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive medical procedure designed to treat inflammation around the spinal nerves in your lower back. By injecting a powerful, time-released corticosteroid and a local anesthetic into the "epidural space"—the area surrounding your spinal cord—we can directly address the swelling caused by disc issues or spinal narrowing, providing powerful, localized pain relief.
Conditions We Treat
We utilize lumbar epidural injections to manage a variety of conditions that cause lower back and leg pain, including:
Sciatica:
Sharp, shooting pain or numbness that travels from the lower back down the buttock and into the leg.
Herniated Discs:
Spinal discs that have ruptured or slipped, pressing directly on sensitive nerves.
Lumbar Radiculopathy:
Nerve root irritation that causes pain, tingling, or weakness in the lower extremities.
Spinal Stenosis:
A narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on the nerves.
What to Expect During Your Procedure
Your comfort, safety, and precision are our top priorities. The procedure is performed in our office-based suite and typically takes between 5 to 15 minutes.
Preparation: You will lie comfortably on a procedure table. The target area of your lower back will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
Fluoroscopic Guidance: Using live X-ray imaging (fluoroscopy), our specialists guide a small, fine needle into the epidural space with pinpoint accuracy to avoid nearby nerves.
The Injection: A small amount of contrast dye is used to verify the needle is perfectly positioned. Once confirmed, we inject the therapeutic mixture of anesthetic and steroid medication.
Recovery: You will remain in the clinic for a brief observation period to ensure you are feeling well before being cleared to return home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How soon will I feel pain relief?
You may feel immediate relief from the local anesthetic, which often wears off after a few hours. The steroid component typically begins to reduce inflammation and provide longer-term relief within 3 to 7 days.
Are these injections painful?
Most patients report minimal discomfort during the procedure. We apply a local anesthetic to your skin first to ensure the injection site is numb, and our use of fluoroscopic guidance ensures the process is quick and accurate.
How long does the pain relief last?
Results vary by patient. For many, a single injection provides months of relief. If your pain returns, these injections can be repeated or used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan to help you avoid surgery.
Can I return to work/daily activities?
Most patients are able to return to their regular daily activities the day after the procedure. We recommend avoiding strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first 24–48 hours to allow the area to settle.