Center for Pain Management

Lumbosacral Epidural Steroid Injection

The lumbosacral epidural steroid injection is performed to provide temporary relief for back and/or leg pain. While the procedure is usually effective, it is not a guarantee that your pain will decrease.

What to Expect

The procedure takes about 30 minutes. Using fluoroscopy, a radiologist will insert a needle into the epidural space—the space surrounding the nerves and spinal fluid inside the spinal cord. Two different medications will be injected. The first, a short-acting anesthetic agent, is injected for diagnostic information. Pain relief from this medication will wear off in about 4 – 5 hours. The second medication—an anti-inflammatory steroid—will provide longer-term pain relief and will begin working after 1 – 2 days.

During the injection you may feel pressure or tingling in your back or legs. After the procedure, the short-acting anesthetic can make your legs feel numb or weak for a few hours, so you should minimize activity for 4 – 5 hours. You can leave immediately after your procedure is performed if you have someone to assist you home.

Schedule

Schedule a Lumbosacral Epidural Steroid Injection procedure.

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