Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

At Core Alliance, we offer lumbar epidural steroid injections as part of our commitment to non-surgical, targeted pain relief tailored to your individual needs.

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections Targeted Relief

Chronic lower back pain can interfere with every part of life—but surgery isn’t always the first step. At Core Alliance, led by board-certified spine surgeon Dr. Aron Rovner, we offer non-surgical solutions like lumbar epidural steroid injections to help relieve pain and restore mobility. This minimally invasive treatment delivers relief with minimal downtime. Schedule your consultation today and discover if a lumbar epidural injection is right for you.

What Is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?

A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve inflammation and pain in the lower back.

It involves injecting a corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space, which surrounds the spinal cord and nerve roots in the lumbar spine.

This treatment is often recommended for patients with conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or degenerative disc disease. The goal is to reduce nerve inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve mobility without the need for surgery. The procedure is typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precision and safety.

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Benefits

This simple but highly effective injection can provide meaningful relief for a variety of spine-related conditions.

Reduces Inflammation: The corticosteroid helps decrease inflammation around the affected nerve roots, easing pressure and pain.
Provides Targeted Pain Relief: The medication is delivered directly to the source of the discomfort, resulting in more effective relief.
Improves Mobility: By easing nerve irritation, the injection can help patients return to normal activities and physical therapy more comfortably.
Minimally Invasive: This outpatient procedure requires no incisions and involves minimal recovery time.
May Delay or Avoid Surgery: For many patients, lumbar epidural steroid injections serve as an effective alternative to surgery or can postpone the need for more invasive procedures.
Enhances Quality of Life: Relief from chronic pain can significantly improve your ability to work, sleep, and enjoy daily life.

Who Is a Good Candidate for a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?

Candidates for lumbar epidural steroid injections are typically individuals experiencing persistent lower back pain that radiates into the hips, legs, or feet. This pain is often the result of inflammation or compression of spinal nerves due to conditions like sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.

The treatment is usually recommended after more conservative approaches such as physical therapy, oral medications, or activity modification have failed to provide sufficient relief. A thorough evaluation by a spine specialist is necessary to confirm whether this option is appropriate for your condition.

Your Consultation

During your consultation, Dr. Rovner will conduct a detailed physical exam, review your medical history, and discuss your symptoms. Imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, may be ordered to pinpoint the source of your pain and determine whether a lumbar epidural steroid injection is the right choice. For added flexibility, Core Alliance offers both in-person and virtual consultations.

“Dr. Rovner spent the time to understand my problem, was very knowledgeable, and explained my treatment options patiently. His office also helped get my insurance authorization done for an MRI. It was a very pleasant and positive experience to meet with Dr. Rovner and his staff.”

– Uma Balasubramanian

Schedule A Consultation Tailored Solutions for Every Spine

What to Expect During Your Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Procedure

The procedure is typically performed in an outpatient setting and takes less than 30 minutes.

You’ll lie face-down on a treatment table while the targeted area is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. Using fluoroscopic guidance, a thin needle is inserted into the epidural space of your lumbar spine. A contrast dye may be used to confirm accurate placement, followed by the injection of the corticosteroid medication and anesthetic.

Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the procedure. Afterward, you’ll be monitored briefly before returning home. You should arrange for someone to drive you, as mild soreness or temporary numbness is possible.

What Is the Recovery Like After a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?

Recovery is generally quick and well-tolerated. Some patients feel relief within a few days, while others may notice gradual improvement over the course of one to two weeks.

You may be advised to rest for the remainder of the day following the injection, but light activity is usually safe the next day.

Temporary side effects like mild soreness or increased pain can occur but typically resolve quickly. If the first injection is successful, additional injections may be scheduled as part of a broader pain management plan.

How Much Does a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Cost?

The cost of lumbar epidural steroid injections varies depending on your insurance coverage and the specific treatment plan recommended. Many insurance plans do cover the procedure, particularly when it is deemed medically necessary. During your consultation, we can provide more details about costs and any applicable benefits.

Alternatives to Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

If a lumbar epidural steroid injection is not effective or appropriate for your condition, other options may include:

Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Oral anti-inflammatory medications
Nerve blocks or facet joint injections
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA)
Minimally invasive spine surgery

At Core Alliance, we will guide you toward the least invasive and most effective treatment for your specific needs.

Why Choose Core Alliance?

Dr. Aron Rovner brings decades of experience and board certification in orthopedic spine surgery to every patient he sees. At Core Alliance, we emphasize a conservative, personalized approach designed to help you recover quickly and safely without unnecessary procedures. Our team is committed to compassionate care, advanced techniques, and long-term results. Schedule your consultation with Core Alliance to learn how we can help you move forward with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

How long does the pain relief last after a lumbar epidural steroid injection?

Pain relief can last from several weeks to several months, depending on the individual and the underlying condition being treated.

How many lumbar epidural injections can I receive?

Most patients receive a series of up to three injections over a 12-month period, spaced out by several weeks if needed.

Can I go back to work after the injection?

Many patients can return to light duties the following day, though some prefer to take one day off to rest after the procedure.

Are there risks associated with the injection?

While complications are rare, risks include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, or allergic reaction to the injected substances.

Will I still need surgery after this treatment?

In some cases, surgery may eventually be necessary, but injections can significantly delay or prevent that need for many patients.