Lumbar Injections
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Advanced Spine Center
Stephen P. Courtney, MD
Orthopedic Spine Surgeon located in Plano, TX
For lower back pain, numbness, or tingling that won’t go away, see Stephen Courtney, MD, at Advanced Spine Center. Located in Plano, Texas, Dr. Courtney offers a variety of conservative and minimally invasive solutions to lower back pain and sciatica, including lumbar injections. To get the relief you’re looking for, schedule a consultation at Advanced Spine Center by calling or using the online booking tool today.
Lumbar Injections Q & A
What conditions can lumbar injections help?
Lumbar injections can help relieve pain and inflammation associated with the following conditions:
- Lumbar facet syndrome
- Spinal stenosis
- Arthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Lumbar disc herniation
- Lumbar radiculopathy
- Sciatica
Dr. Courtney performs a thorough evaluation and orthopedic exam along with imaging, including X-rays and an MRI, as needed, to determine your diagnosis and treatment options.
What types of lumbar injections are available?
Dr. Courtney uses a variety of injections to address lower back pain, numbness, and tingling. Depending on your symptoms, the site of your pain, and your diagnosis, he can recommend one of the following injections:
Facet joint injections
Steroids and numbing medication are injected into the joint space between your vertebrae to relieve pain and inflammation.
Lumbar epidural steroid injections
A combination of steroid and analgesic medications are injected into the epidural space surrounding your spinal cord. This procedure can be done with or without a contrast dye to determine where the injection is placed.
Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injections
Transforaminal injections involve placing steroid and analgesic medications at the site of an irritated nerve root.
Medial branch block
Analgesic (painkilling) medication is injected into the nerve roots in the facet joint space. This procedure is done using contrast dye and X-ray fluoroscopy for proper placement.
Sacroiliac joint steroid injection
A steroid injection is directed into the sacroiliac joint space to reduce pain and inflammation.
Caudal epidural steroid injection
Similar to a medial branch block, a combination of steroids and analgesic medications is injected into the nerve roots that exit specific sites of your sacrum.
Lumbar injections are used for diagnostic purposes to identify the source of your pain as well as a treatment option to relieve pain and inflammation. Injections can be combined with other treatments, including physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle modifications.
What happens during a lumbar injection?
To prepare for your injection, Dr. Courtney cleans the skin on your back and injects a numbing solution into the treatment area to prevent pain during the procedure. Next, he guides a sterile needle into the injection site — with contrast dye and X-ray-guided fluoroscopy, if appropriate — and places the medication at the treatment site. The injection takes fewer than five minutes.
Afterward, Dr. Courtney places a bandage over the area. You could notice an immediate decrease in your pain levels, though some patients need several injections to get the best results.
Learn more about lumbar injections by scheduling a consultation online or by phone at Advanced Spine Center now.
