Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection in Allen, TX
Specialties
If you’ve been struggling with chronic lower back pain that conservative treatments haven’t helped, a lumbar epidural steroid injection may be the answer you’ve been searching for. These injections can precisely target the source of your pain and provide pain relief for up to several months. You don’t have to deal with ceaseless pain any longer. Contact the Advanced Spine Center for lumbar epidural steroid injections in Allen, TX.
To schedule an appointment with us, please call our office at 972-499-5457 or submit an online intake form.
What Are Lumbar Epidural Injections?
Lumbar epidural injections are a type of spinal injection used to deliver medication into the epidural space in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. The epidural space is the area surrounding the protective covering of the spinal cord and nerve roots. These injections can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and provide relief for various conditions affecting the lower back.
How Does a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Work?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection delivers corticosteroids and local anesthetic medication into the epidural space in the lower back. This relieves pain and reduces inflammation, which alleviates the pressure on irritated or compressed spinal nerves. More specifically, lumbar injections work in the following ways.
Reducing Inflammation: Inflammation around the spinal nerves or structures in the lumbar region can contribute to pain. The injected corticosteroid medication is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. It works by suppressing the body’s immune response and reducing inflammation in the epidural space, thereby alleviating pressure on irritated or compressed nerves.
Alleviating Pain: The corticosteroid medication aims to decrease the swelling and irritation of nerves in the epidural space, which can help reduce pain signals sent to the brain. This can lead to decreased discomfort, numbness, tingling, or weakness experienced in the lower back, buttocks, legs, or feet.
Long-Term Relief: Alongside the immediate pain relief from the local anesthetic, the corticosteroid provides longer-lasting effects. It helps in managing pain and improving function by reducing inflammation over several days to weeks, allowing for improved mobility and participation in rehabilitative exercises or physical therapy.
When Do We Recommend Lumbar Injections?
Lumbar epidural corticosteroid injections are recommended in certain situations and for specific conditions affecting the lower back. They can help with leg pain, lower back pain, numbness, tingling, and other symptoms. We might suggest lumbar injections when conservative treatments like medications, physical therapy, or activity modifications have not adequately relieved pain or inflammation associated with various lumbar spinal conditions.
What Conditions Do Lumbar Injections Treat?
Lumbar epidural steroid injections can treat many conditions that affect the lumbar spine, including the following.
- Herniated discs: When the inner gel-like material of a spinal disc protrudes through its outer layer, irritating nearby nerves and causing lower back pain or leg pain.
- Spinal stenosis: Narrowing of the spinal canal or nerve root canals in the lower back, resulting in pressure on the spinal cord or nerves and causing pain, numbness, or weakness in the legs.
- Degenerative disc disease: Age-related changes causing wear and tear of the spinal discs, leading to pain due to disc degeneration, bulging discs, or spinal instability.
- Sciatica: Pain radiating from the lower back down the legs due to compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, often caused by conditions like herniated discs or spinal stenosis.
- Spondylolisthesis: A condition where one vertebra slips forward over the vertebra below it, resulting in lower back pain and potentially compressing nerves.
- Chronic low back pain: Persistent lower back pain that has not responded to conservative treatments and significantly affects daily activities or quality of life.
Who Can Administer a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection in Allen, TX?
Generally, lumbar injections are administered by healthcare professionals who specialize in pain management or spine care. Examples of these professionals include the following.
Interventional Pain Specialists: Physicians specializing in pain medicine or anesthesiology with additional training in interventional pain management often perform lumbar epidural injections. They have expertise in using imaging guidance, such as fluoroscopy or ultrasound, to place the needle for the injection accurately.
Orthopedic Surgeons: Some orthopedic surgeons specializing in spine care may also administer lumbar injections as part of their practice, particularly those with expertise in spinal interventions. Our Allen orthopedic spine surgeons administer these injections regularly.
Neurosurgeons: Neurosurgeons focusing on spine-related conditions might also perform lumbar epidural steroid injections as part of a comprehensive treatment plan for their patients.
Interventional Radiologists: In certain settings, interventional radiologists with expertise in image-guided procedures may perform lumbar injections, particularly those involving fluoroscopy or other imaging techniques to guide needle placement.
What Types of Lumbar Injections Do We Offer?
At the Advanced Spine Center, we offer a range of lumbar injections to help patients with managing lumbar spinal pain. The specific injections we offer include medial branch blocks, facet joint injections, sacroiliac joint injections, lumbar epidural steroid injections, caudal epidural steroid injections, and lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections.
Medial Branch Blocks
Medial branch blocks are diagnostic injections used to identify the source of pain originating from the facet joints in the spine. The facet joints are small joints located between adjacent vertebrae that facilitate spinal movement and provide stability. They generally use local anesthetic medications to numb the injection area.
Facet Joint Injections
These injections deliver medication directly into the small joints located between the vertebrae in the spinal canal. They aim to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain arising from these joints due to arthritis or mechanical issues.
Sacroiliac Joint Steroid Injections
Targeting the sacroiliac joint, these injections deliver steroid medication to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions affecting this joint, such as sacroiliitis or sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections
These injections deliver corticosteroids and sometimes a local anesthetic into the epidural space around the nerves in the lumbar spine. They aim to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain associated with conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
Caudal Epidural Steroid Injections
A caudal epidural steroid injection is a type of spinal injection used to deliver medication into the epidural space in the lower back through the sacral hiatus, which is a small opening near the tailbone (coccyx). These injections aim to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve symptoms associated with various lower back conditions.
Lumbar Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections
A lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection involves delivering medication into the neural foramen, the openings between the vertebrae where the spinal nerves exit the spinal canal. It targets a specific nerve root and is often used for conditions causing radicular pain or nerve compression.
How Can Patients Prepare for Lumbar Injections?
Before deciding to undergo lumbar epidural steroid injections, patients should discuss the procedure with their doctor. Well-informed patients can make appropriate decisions about their healthcare, so we always encourage scheduling consultations prior to a procedure. Below, we outline other ways in which you can prepare for lumbar epidural steroid injections.
- Medical history: Provide your doctor with a comprehensive medical history, including current medications, allergies, previous surgeries, or any bleeding disorders. Some medications might need adjustments before the procedure, so discuss these with your doctor.
- Following instructions: Follow any specific instructions provided by your doctor regarding eating, drinking, or medication intake before the procedure. Adhering to these instructions is essential for the success and safety of the injection.
- Transportation: As the injection might involve mild sedation or local anesthesia, it’s advisable to arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure for your safety and convenience.
- Clothing: Wear loose and comfortable clothing on the day of the procedure to ensure ease during the injection and afterward.
- Mental preparation: Being mentally prepared for the procedure can help reduce anxiety or stress. Engage in relaxation techniques or discuss concerns with your doctor to alleviate anxiety before the procedure.
What Can I Expect During the Lumbar Epidural Injection Procedure?
The lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure is fairly simple. You can generally expect the following steps to take place during the injection.
Preparation: You’ll be asked to change into a gown and lie down on a table, usually on your stomach or sitting up, depending on the specific injection technique and your doctor’s preference.
Positioning: The doctor will position you to access the area where the injection will be given. They’ll clean the skin thoroughly at the injection site.
Numbing Medication: A local anesthetic will be applied to numb the skin and deeper tissues at the injection site for comfort before the procedure.
Needle Insertion: Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) or other imaging guidance, a thin needle is carefully inserted into the epidural space in the lower back.
Medication Injection: Once the needle is properly positioned, a combination of corticosteroid medication and sometimes a local anesthetic is slowly injected into the epidural space to treat the affected spinal nerve roots.
What Are the Possible Complications and Risks of Lumbar Epidural Injections?
Lumbar epidural injections, while generally considered safe, carry potential risks and complications, although they are rare. Some of the possible complications associated with these injections include the following.
- Infection: There is a slight risk of infection at the injection site or within the epidural space. However, healthcare providers take precautions to minimize this risk by using sterile techniques during the procedure.
- Bleeding: Minimal bleeding can occur, particularly in individuals with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications. This risk is typically low.
- Nerve damage: Though rare, there’s a small risk of nerve injury or irritation during needle insertion or medication administration, which might lead to temporary or, exceptionally, permanent neurological issues.
- Allergic reaction: Some individuals might experience an allergic reaction to the injected medications, such as the corticosteroid or local anesthetic. However, these reactions are uncommon.
- Dural puncture: Accidental puncture of the covering of the spinal cord (dura mater) can cause cerebrospinal fluid leakage, leading to a spinal headache. This complication is rare.
- Elevated blood sugar: Corticosteroid medications used in the injection can temporarily increase blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes. Close monitoring is necessary in such cases.
Most patients tolerate these injections well, and the benefits of pain relief often outweigh the potential risks for many individuals. However, if you experience severe pain, increased weakness, fever, or any concerning symptoms after the procedure, it’s crucial to contact your doctor immediately.
What Can I Expect from Recovery After Lumbar Injections?
Recovery after lumbar epidural steroid injections varies from patient to patient, but most can expect similar recovery periods. After the injection, you may be monitored for a short while to watch for any immediate complications or adverse reactions. Some individuals might experience immediate relief due to the local anesthetic, while the full effects of the corticosteroid medication might take a few days to manifest.
Pain relief and the duration of relief can differ among individuals. Some may experience significant pain reduction shortly after the injection, while others might have a gradual decrease in pain over the following days.
It’s common to resume normal activities shortly after the procedure, although some healthcare providers might advise limiting strenuous activities or heavy lifting for a brief period. Generally, patients can return to work or regular activities the same day or the day after the injection.
Your healthcare provider might schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your response to the injection and discuss any ongoing symptoms or changes in your condition. Lumbar injections are often part of a broader treatment plan. Physical therapy, exercise, or other interventions may be recommended to maximize the benefits of the injection and improve overall function and mobility.
How Long Before Lumbar Epidural Injections Work?
The timeframe for lumbar epidural corticosteroid injections to take effect and provide noticeable relief can vary among individuals. Generally, there are two phases of response to these injections.
The immediate effects of a lumbar epidural injection are often due to the local anesthetic administered along with the corticosteroid. Patients might experience immediate relief from the numbing medication, providing short-term pain relief that could last several hours.
The corticosteroid component of the injection usually takes a few days to exert its full anti-inflammatory effects. It gradually reduces inflammation around irritated nerves or structures in the lumbar spine, leading to longer-lasting pain relief that may start to become noticeable after a few days. For some individuals, the maximum benefit might take up to a week or more to manifest.
How Long Will Lumbar Injections Provide Pain Relief?
The amount of time that lumbar injections provide pain relief can vary between patients. The local anesthetic usually only lasts several hours at most. However, the corticosteroids provide lasting relief after a few days. Many studies have shown that lumbar injections can provide relief for up to six months in some patients. Remember that each patient’s pain is different, so some may experience longer or shorter periods of relief.
How Successful Are Lumbar Epidural Injections?
The success rate of lumbar epidural steroid injections varies from patient to patient. However, these injections are generally very successful at relieving lumbar spinal pain when more conservative treatments have failed. Most patients achieve significant pain relief.
Contact the Advanced Spine Center for Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections in Allen, TX
With nearly 30 years of experience as a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon, Dr. Courtney is highly skilled in treating lower back pain. If you’ve been struggling with chronic low back pain, we have solutions for you. Contact the Advanced Spine Center today by calling 972-499-5457 or scheduling an appointment online. We’ll have you back to living your active lifestyle in no time.
