What Is Lumbar Epidural Injection?

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.