Lumbar epidural injection is an injection in the space around the spinal cord used to treat lower back pain. The injection contains a numbing medicine and a steroid, and will help ease low back and leg pain in combination with physical therapy, a home exercise program, or both. An epidural injection can reduce pain and break the pain cycle. This cycle may begin when back pain makes it hard to move. Lack of movement can then slow down the healing process. By getting you back on your feet, the injection can help speed your recovery. Some people may feel more relief from an injection than others. And some people may need more than 1 injection to get relief. Usually, no more than 3 injections are done in a 12-month period. If the first injection didn't help, it's less likely that another one will help.
A tool for diagnosis
An injection can help locate the source of pain. Also called a selective nerve block or a selective epidural, it numbs the roots of specific nerves. The effect lasts only briefly. But if you feel relief, it may indicate the source of the pain. If you feel no relief, it may mean that the pain’s source is at another level in your spine. Or it may mean that something other than inflammation is causing the pain. Injection results also may be used to help plan back surgery, if needed.
Possible risks and complications
Here are some risks of lumbar epidural injections:
-
Spinal headache. This is a bad headache that gets worse when standing or sitting upright.
-
Bleeding (rare)
-
Infection (rare)
Online Medical Reviewer: Jennifer Ciccone NP
Online Medical Reviewer: Marianne Fraser MSN RN
Online Medical Reviewer: Raymond Kent Turley BSN MSN RN
Date Last Reviewed: 01/15/2007
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Learn More About Health Services at PIH Health
Expert care for every stage of life. Explore the comprehensive services offered at PIH Health.
Explore Services
Get Health Tips & Updates
Sign up for helpful health information, wellness tips and news from PIH Health, delivered straight to your inbox.
SubscribeRelated Articles
Foot Surgery: Flexible and Rigid Hammertoes
With hammertoes, one or more toes curl or bend abnormally. This can be caused by an inherited muscle problem, an abnormal bone length, or poor foot mechanics. There are many nonsurgical treatments for hammertoes, but if these are not effective, you may want to consider surgery.
Understanding Achilles Tendon Repair Surgery
Achilles tendon repair surgery is a type of surgery to fix a damaged Achilles tendon.
Bunion Surgery
Bunion surgery is done to reduce the pain and correct the deformity caused by a bunion. A bunion is an enlargement of the bone or tissue around a joint at the base of the big toe or at the base of the little toe. Read on for details about this surgery.
Arthroscopy
Orthopedic surgeons use arthroscopy to diagnose and treat joint problems. An arthroscope is a small, tube shaped instrument that is used to look inside a joint.
Personalized Care Starts with the Right Provider
Search by specialty, location, and more.
Find A Doctor
Make an Appointment
Your health can't always wait. Schedule an appointment with a PIH Health provider.
Schedule an Appointment
Find a PIH Health Urgent Care Location
Need care today?. Find the nearest PIH Health Urgent Care location.
Find Urgent Care
