Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection: Relief for Back Pain
Chronic back pain can be a debilitating condition that significantly impacts an individual’s quality of life. Fortunately, there is a minimally invasive treatment option that can provide relief: Lumbar epidural steroid injection. This procedure, also known as an epidural corticosteroid injection, is a widely used therapy for managing radicular pain, a type of pain that radiates from the lower back down the leg.
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Epidural steroid injections are among the most common treatments for chronic back pain, with the United States ranking back pain as the fifth most common reason for seeking medical care. In fact, approximately 9% to 25% of individuals experience low back pain accompanied by leg pain traveling below their knee (radicular pain) each year. Lumbar epidural steroid injection has the potential to offer significant relief for these patients, providing short-term pain relief in at least one half of the people who receive it.
The benefits of lumbar epidural steroid injection can last for weeks to months, though rarely up to a year. While most providers limit patients to two or three injections per year to prevent complications, this treatment option can be a valuable tool in the management of chronic back pain and related conditions, such as spinal stenosis and disc herniation.
Key Takeaways
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive treatment option for chronic back pain and radiating leg pain.
- The procedure can provide short-term pain relief in at least half of the people who receive it.
- Epidural steroid injections are among the most common therapies for managing radicular pain.
- Complications of the procedure are generally rare but can include dizziness, headache, and nerve root damage.
- Lumbar epidural steroid injection can be a valuable tool in the management of conditions like spinal stenosis and disc herniation.
Understanding Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
Lumbar epidural steroid injections have been a widely used minimally invasive spine procedure for pain relief since 1952. This interventional technique aims to address various spinal conditions that can cause chronic low back pain and radiculopathy.
What is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a procedure where a corticosteroid medication is injected into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots in the lower back. The steroids are designed to reduce inflammation and swelling, thereby alleviating pain and discomfort.
Conditions Treated by Epidural Corticosteroid Injection
Epidural steroid injections can be beneficial for a variety of spinal conditions, including:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spinal stenosis
- Bone spurs impinging on spinal nerve roots
- Thickened ligaments (ligamentum flavum)
- Radiculopathy (nerve root pain)
These injections can provide both short-term and long-term pain relief for chronic low back pain and radicular symptoms. It is estimated that approximately 14% of patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy will eventually require surgery, while more than half report interference in their daily activities, and a quarter continue to have severe pain that does not respond well to oral medications.
| Epidural Steroid Injection Statistics | Value |
|---|---|
| Epidural steroid injections utilized since | 1952 |
| Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy requiring surgery | 14% |
| Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy reporting interference in daily activities | Over 50% |
| Patients with lumbosacral radiculopathy having severe pain unresponsive to oral medications | 25% |
By understanding the scope of lumbar epidural steroid injections, healthcare providers can better identify appropriate candidates for this minimally invasive spine procedure and provide chronic low back pain solution and radiculopathy treatment options for their patients.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure
The lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure, a widely used Interventional Pain Management technique, typically takes 5 to 15 minutes to complete. This Minimally Invasive Spine Procedure aims to provide relief for those suffering from Chronic Low Back Pain.
Preparation and Administration
Prior to the injection, the treatment area is thoroughly cleaned and a local anesthetic is applied to numb the skin. The healthcare provider then carefully inserts a thin needle into the epidural space of the spine, guiding it with the aid of imaging technology. Once the needle is properly positioned, a small amount of corticosteroid medication is slowly injected into the targeted area.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
While generally safe when performed by experienced professionals, the lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure carries a low risk of potential side effects, such as mild injection site pain, temporary worsening of symptoms, flushing, insomnia, or increased blood sugar. In rare cases, more serious complications like allergic reactions, bleeding, nerve damage, infection, or paralysis may occur. Patients should closely monitor their progress and promptly report any concerning symptoms to their healthcare provider.