Epidural Steroid Injections

What are epidural steroid injections?

An epidural steroid injection is an outpatient procedure that relieves lower back pain.

It involves your Coastal Spine provider injecting anti-inflammatory medicine into your epidural space –– the area around the spinal nerves in your lower back. When the drug enters your body, it reduces irritation and inflammation, easing pain and restoring mobility.

What are epidural steroid injections used for?

Coastal Spine uses epidural steroid injections to treat a chronic pain called lumbar radicular pain.

Lumbar radicular pain occurs when the spinal nerves in your lower back become irritated or inflamed by trauma or an underlying health problem. Various things can trigger lumbar radicular pain, including:

• Lumbar herniated discs
• Lumbar degenerative disc disease
• Lumbar spinal stenosis
• Lumbar osteoarthritis
• Localized lower back pain

Coastal Spine might recommend epidural steroid injections if you have neurogenic claudication. This condition compresses the nerves in your lower back.

How do I prepare for epidural steroid injections?

Epidural steroid injections require special preparation. Before the procedure, your Coastal Spine provider will ask you to fast or avoid taking specific prescription medicines. They also order a series of CT scans or MRIs to get a closer look at the vertebrae, intervertebral discs, and nerves in your lower back.

What happens during an epidural steroid injection procedure?

Several types of epidural steroid injections are available. Depending on your symptoms, your provider might recommend:

Interlaminar epidural steroid injection

Your provider administers this injection between two laminae in your spine. Laminae are flat plates of bone that are a part of each vertebra.

Transforaminal epidural steroid injection

Your provider administers a transforaminal epidural if you have a herniated disc. This injection is administered through the foramina –– the openings where your nerve roots exit your spine.

Caudal epidural steroid injection

Your provider injects a caudal epidural through the sacral hiatus –– the area just above your tailbone. This epidural is ideal for treating compressed or damaged nerves in the lowest part of your spine.

Are epidural steroid injections painful?

Epidural steroid injections are safe and usually well-tolerated. You might experience a slight pinch or prick when the needle pierces your skin, but that’s it. If you have any discomfort during treatment, let your provider know.

Call the nearest Coastal Spine office today to learn more about epidural steroid injections, or make your appointment online.