According to healthcare professionals, specific causes of persistent low back pain can be treated with lumbar epidural steroid injections (ESIs). An anti-inflammatory drug is injected into the region around your spinal nerves, known as the epidural space. The best results from lumbar ESIs come from treating spinal stenosis and ruptured disc pain.
What Is A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a treatment for discomfort in the legs or lower back brought on by irritation of the spinal nerves.
Corticosteroids, generally known as steroids, are drugs that reduce inflammation. The epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord in your lower back, is injected by your doctor.
A lumbar steroid injection may be given if you have discomfort from:
- A slipped disc
- Vertebral stenosis
- Deteriorating spinal condition
- Bone growths
What Is The Process Of A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
Your spinal cord, which connects your brain to your low back, is a crucial network of nerves, for your brain to interact with the rest of your body, your spinal cord functions as a highway that connects the nerves dispersed throughout your body to your brain.
Your spinal cord’s lumbar (low back) region’s nerve roots occasionally run the risk of being pinched or irritated. For instance, if you have a herniated disc, this might occur. In addition, pain from the irritated nerves may go down your leg (s).
A healthcare professional injects a steroid into the epidural space surrounding your spinal cord during a lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure. Your spinal cord is encased in the epidural space, which comprises fat, spinal nerves, blood vessels, and connective tissue. The steroid decreases swelling and pressure on the nerves by acting on the irritated nerve(s) that are giving you discomfort.
A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Can Be Rather Uncomfortable
Each person reacts differently to the process. A lumbar epidural steroid injection might occasionally feel unpleasant, but it shouldn’t hurt. You might ask your doctor for a little sedative to relax you before the treatment.
To numb the skin on your back, your doctor will first inject a local anesthetic. There may be a slight burning or stinging feeling after the injection.
You’ll probably feel some pressure when your doctor puts the needle into the epidural area to provide steroid medicine. Your doctor can provide more local anesthetic to treat any discomfort.
When Used To Treat Back Pain, How Long Do Epidural Injections Last?
Within 1 to 3 days of receiving the epidural injection, your back discomfort should start subbing. However, occasionally it might take up to a week to see a change.
While some patients see long-lasting relief, this therapy is not a panacea for back pain. In most cases, the injection may continue to function for three to six months or longer if you have persistent back pain.
How frequently are lumbar epidural steroid injections used to treat pain?
Injections of epidural steroid medication are among the most popular forms of treatment for radicular pain.
Back pain is the sixth most common reason Americans seek medical attention, and 9% to 25% of people report having radicular pain, or low back pain accompanied by leg discomfort that extends below the knee, annually.
Conclusion
Discuss with your doctor the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure before obtaining an epidural steroid injection.
Epidural steroid injections provide momentary relief from back and leg discomfort brought on by disorders like a ruptured disc or degenerative spine disease. They can even be permanent in rare cases. Unfortunately, results sometimes linger for months.
Consult your doctor if you have a steroid injection, and your discomfort does not go away. It’s possible that spinal nerves do not cause pain.
