Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we know how tough lower back pain can be. We also know how important it is to find a good treatment. That’s why we offer steroid shots in the back, also known as lumbar epidural steroid injections, and provide information about epidural steroid injection video for better understanding.

A cortisone injection for lower back pain can really help. It cuts down on inflammation and takes pressure off the spinal nerves. This gives patients much-needed relief from chronic back pain.

We’ll dive into the important facts about these injections. We’ll cover their benefits, risks, and what you can expect during the procedure. We do this all with a focus on safe, patient-centered care.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding the procedure for lumbar epidural steroid injections.
• Benefits of steroid shots for back pain relief.
• Risks associated with epidural steroid injections.
• What to expect during and after the procedure.
• The role of cortisone in lower back pain management.

What You Need to Know About Back Pain and Steroid Injections

Back pain is a big problem worldwide. It comes from many causes. Knowing these causes and when steroid injections help is key to managing it well.

Common Causes of Persistent Back and Leg Pain

Persistent back and leg pain can come from radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and nonspecific low back pain. These issues often happen because of inflammation or irritation of the spinal nerves.

• Radiculopathy means nerve root irritation, leading to pain, numbness, or weakness.
• Spinal stenosis narrows the spinal canal, pressing on nerves.
• Nonspecific low back pain is pain without a clear cause, often from muscle strain.

When Epidural Steroid Injections Become an Option

Epidural steroid injections are considered when other treatments don’t work. These injections put anti-inflammatory medication right where it’s needed, reducing swelling and pain.

Deciding on epidural steroid injections looks at how bad the symptoms are and if other treatments worked. Important factors include:

1. Significant inflammation or nerve irritation.
2. Failure of treatments like physical therapy or pills.
3. How back pain affects daily life and quality of life.

Key Fact #1: How Epidural Steroid Injections Target Inflammation

It’s important to know how epidural steroid injections work for back pain. These injections put anti-inflammatory steroids right where they’re needed. This helps reduce swelling and eases nerve pressure.

The Science Behind Anti-inflammatory Steroids

Anti-inflammatory steroids, or corticosteroids, act like the body’s own hormone, cortisol. They are very good at fighting swelling and pain.

These steroids stop the body from making chemicals that cause inflammation. This helps in treating back pain caused by swelling and nerve pressure.

How Medication Reduces Nerve Root Irritation

Nerve root irritation happens when nerves get inflamed or squished. Epidural steroid injections target this area. They reduce swelling and ease the pressure on nerves.

This method can greatly reduce pain and improve movement for those with back pain. It’s a focused way to manage pain with fewer side effects.

Differences Between Steroid and Other Injection Types

Epidural injections can have different medicines, like steroids or anesthetics. Steroids fight inflammation, while anesthetics numb the area for a while.

Knowing the differences between these injections is key. It helps doctors choose the best treatment for each patient. This way, they can target the root cause of pain more effectively.

Key Fact #2: Epidural Steroid Injection Video Guide to the Procedure

Watching a video guide can really help you understand the epidural steroid injection procedure. This treatment is a minimally invasive way to inject steroid medication into the space around the spinal cord. It’s used to ease pain and swelling from different spinal issues.

Patient Preparation and Positioning

Before starting, patients lie on their stomach or side, depending on the doctor’s method. The area where the injection will happen is cleaned and made ready. Local anesthesia might be used to make sure the patient is comfortable.

The American Academy of Pain Medicine says, “Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for radicular pain. They are supported by evidence-based medicine.”

This shows how important proper preparation and technique are for a successful treatment.

Step-by-Step Procedure Walkthrough

The procedure for an epidural steroid injection includes several important steps:

• The patient is positioned correctly and the skin is prepared.
• Using fluoroscopic guidance, the doctor finds the right spot for the injection.
• A needle is carefully put into the epidural space.
• A steroid medication is injected to lessen inflammation and pain.

Fluoroscopic guidance is key for placing the steroid medication correctly. This imaging technique lets the doctor see the needle and the space in real-time. It helps avoid complications.

What Real Patients Experience During the Injection

Patients might feel a slight pinch or discomfort when the needle goes in. But this is usually mild because of the local anesthesia. Some might feel pressure or the sensation of the medication being given. The procedure is quick and usually easy to handle.

It’s normal to have some questions or concerns before an epidural steroid injection. Watching a video can help clear up some of these worries. It gives a clear idea of what to expect.

Key Fact #3: Real-Time Imaging Ensures Precision and Safety

Real-time imaging is key for precise and safe epidural steroid injections. At our institution, we use advanced imaging to guide these procedures. This makes the treatment more effective and safer.

Fluoroscopy (X-ray) Guidance Techniques

Fluoroscopy gives us real-time X-ray images. It helps us see where the needle is and where the steroid goes. This is great for making sure the medication gets to the right spot, like around the spinal nerves.

Benefits of Fluoroscopy:

• Accurate needle placement
• Real-time visualization of contrast flow
• Enhanced safety by avoiding critical structures

Ultrasound-Guided Epidural Injections

Ultrasound guidance is also used for these injections. It’s good for patients who can’t have fluoroscopy. Ultrasound shows us the soft tissues and the needle, helping place the steroid exactly right.

Advantages of Ultrasound Guidance:

• No radiation exposure
• Ability to visualize soft tissues
• Portability and accessibility

Why Imaging Improves Outcomes and Reduces Complications

Using real-time imaging makes the injections better and safer. It helps us get the medication to the right place. This reduces risks like nerve damage or infection.

With imaging like fluoroscopy and ultrasound, we can make treatments better for each patient. This way, we get the best results with the least risk.

Key Fact #4: Exactly Where the Epidural Shot Goes in Your Spine

When you think about getting an epidural shot for back pain, knowing where it goes is key. The epidural space is where these shots are given to help ease back pain.

The Epidural Space Anatomy Explained

The epidural space is around the spinal cord and nerve roots. It goes from the base of the skull to the sacrum. It’s not a natural gap but can become one when pressure is applied or a needle is inserted.

This space has fat, veins, and nerve roots. It’s perfect for steroid medication to cut down inflammation and ease pain.

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Placement

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are given in the lower back. They target the lumbar spine. The goal is to inject steroid medication into the epidural space to lessen inflammation around the spinal nerves.

This can help with pain from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or spondylolisthesis.

Different Approaches: Interlaminar, Transforaminal, and Caudal

There are three main ways to do lumbar epidural steroid injections. Each has its own benefits and when to use them:

• Interlaminar Approach: This is the most common method. The needle goes between two vertebrae. It’s simple and gets the steroid into the epidural space.
• Transforaminal Approach: Here, the needle goes through the foramen to target the nerve root causing pain. It’s great for leg pain.
• Caudal Approach: This method uses the sacral hiatus at the bottom of the sacrum. It’s good for pain in the lower legs.

Each method needs careful guidance, often with fluoroscopy or ultrasound. This ensures the steroid goes exactly where it should. By aiming for the epidural space, these shots can really help with back pain and other symptoms.

Key Fact #5: Timeline for Pain Relief After Steroid Injections

Many people wonder when they’ll feel better after getting steroid injections. The time it takes for pain relief can vary a lot. This depends on how bad the pain is and how well the body reacts to the steroid.

We’ll look at the different stages of pain relief. This includes the quick effects and the long-term benefits. We’ll also see what studies say about how long the relief lasts.

Immediate Effects: The First 24-48 Hours

Some people might feel better right away, within 24 to 48 hours. This quick relief often comes from the local anesthetic mixed with the steroid. It helps reduce swelling and numbs the area.

Immediate relief is a good sign. But, it’s important to remember that not everyone will keep feeling better.

Short-Term Benefits: Weeks to Months

For many, the best effects of the injections show up a few weeks to months later. During this time, the steroid helps lessen inflammation around the nerves. This leads to a lot of pain relief.

Most people find substantial pain relief during this short-term period. This lets them get back to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life.

Long-Term Relief: What Research Shows About Duration

The length of time pain relief lasts can vary a lot. Some people might feel better for months or even years. Research on how long steroid injections work has mixed results.

A study in the Journal of Pain Research found that injections gave pain relief for up to 6 months. Some people stayed pain-free for even longer.

Key Fact #6: Recovery and Activity Guidelines After the Procedure

Knowing how to recover after an epidural steroid injection is key. We’ll help you understand what to do after treatment. This way, you can get the most out of your care.

Same-Day Recovery Expectations

Right after the procedure, you might feel sore or numb where the injection was given. This feeling usually goes away in a few hours. Most people can go back to their usual activities in 24 to 48 hours. But, it’s best to avoid lifting heavy things, bending, or doing hard activities for a few days.

After the procedure, you might be watched for a bit to see if you have any bad reactions. Once you’re okay, you’ll get instructions on how to care for yourself after the injection.

When to Resume Normal Activities

How long it takes to get back to normal depends on you and what your doctor says. Usually, people are told to stay away from hard activities for 2-3 days after the injection. This lets the medicine work without any problems.

Post-Injection Care to Maximize Benefits

To get the most out of your epidural steroid injection, follow your doctor’s post-injection care instructions. This might include using ice to reduce swelling, taking medicine as told, and going to follow-up appointments. This helps your doctor keep an eye on how you’re doing.

Keeping a healthy lifestyle, like exercising regularly and eating well, also helps. If you have any weird symptoms or worries while you’re recovering, call your doctor right away.

By following these guidelines, you can make your epidural steroid injection work better. This can help you live a more comfortable, pain-free life.

Key Fact #7: Who Benefits Most from Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

It’s important to know who benefits most from lumbar epidural steroid injections for back pain. These injections work differently for everyone. Their success depends on the pain’s cause and the patient’s health.

Ideal Candidates for the Procedure

Some patients get more relief from these injections than others. Radiculopathy, or pain along a nerve, is one condition that benefits. Also, those with spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spine, often find pain relief.

Even nonspecific low back pain might get better with these injections. But, results can vary. It’s key to get a full check-up to see if you’re a good fit for the treatment.

Conditions That Respond Best to Steroid Injections

Some conditions work better with these injections. For example, those with herniated discs or degenerative disc disease often see big improvements. The injections help reduce inflammation, easing pain and improving movement.

• Radiculopathy
• Spinal stenosis
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative disc disease

By focusing on the inflammation, these injections can offer a lot of relief for these conditions.

When to Consider Alternative Treatments

Not everyone is a good candidate for these injections. People with certain health issues, like uncontrolled diabetes, might need other treatments. If the injections don’t help after trying them a few times, other options like physical therapy or surgery might be needed.

We help patients find the best treatment plan for their specific needs and health.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Back Pain Treatment

It’s important to know the good and bad of epidural steroid injections for back pain. This knowledge helps people make smart choices about their health.

Epidural steroid injections are a common way to treat back pain. Studies show they can cut down inflammation and ease symptoms. When paired with other treatments like physical therapy, they can offer lasting relief.

Patients should talk to a healthcare expert before choosing a treatment. By looking at the pros and cons of epidural steroid injections, they can decide if it’s the best option for them.

FAQ

What is an epidural steroid injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a small procedure. It involves putting a corticosteroid into the space around the spinal cord. This helps reduce inflammation and eases back pain.

What conditions are treated with epidural steroid injections?

These injections are used for radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, and low back pain. They help when other treatments don’t work.

How do epidural steroid injections work?

The corticosteroid in the injection cuts down inflammation. This can help lessen pain and discomfort around the nerve roots.

What are the different approaches to lumbar epidural steroid injection placement?

There are interlaminar, transforaminal, and caudal approaches. Each has its own benefits and uses.

How long does it take to feel pain relief after an epidural steroid injection?

Pain relief times vary. Some feel better in 24-48 hours. Others may take weeks or months.

What are the risks and complications associated with epidural steroid injections?

While safe, there are risks like infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. But these are rare.

Can I resume normal activities after an epidural steroid injection?

Most can go back to normal activities in a few days. Following post-injection care is key to getting the most benefit.

How do I know if I’m a good candidate for an epidural steroid injection?

Good candidates have radiculopathy, spinal stenosis, or low back pain not helped by other treatments. A healthcare professional will decide on a case-by-case basis.

What is the role of real-time imaging in epidural steroid injections?

Imaging like fluoroscopy or ultrasound guides the needle. It ensures the injection is precise and safe.

Are there alternative treatments to epidural steroid injections?

Yes, options include physical therapy, pain meds, or surgery. A healthcare professional can help choose the best treatment.

Reference

1. Friedly, J. L., Comstock, B. A., Turner, J. A., Heagerty, P. J., & Jarvik, J. G. (2014). Long-term effects of repeated injections of epidural glucocorticoids for lumbar spinal stenosis: The LESS randomized clinical trial. Annals of Internal Medicine, 161(5), 331–339. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25178569