Lumbar epidural steroid injection: Overview
A lumbar epidural injection is a shot of steroid medicine into your back. The injection goes into the space around your spinal cord.
A doctor may do this to help with pain, tingling, or numbness in your back or down your leg. These symptoms might be caused by a back or disc problem.
Steroids don't always work. And when they do, it takes a few days. But the pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer.
Your injection may also include a numbing medicine that will work right away for a short time.
Some people get a series of injections over weeks or months.
After lumbar epidural injection: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You have trouble breathing.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new pain, or your pain gets worse.
- You have new numbness in your buttocks or legs.
- You have new weakness in your buttocks or legs.
- You have a severe headache.
- You have new loss of bowel or bladder control.
- You have signs of infection, such as:
- Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
- A fever.
Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
After a lumbar epidural steroid injection: Overview
During your lumbar epidural injection, your doctor injected steroid medicine into the area around your spinal cord to help with pain, tingling, or numbness.
Steroids don't always work. And when they do, it takes a few days. But the pain relief can last for several days to a few months or longer.
Your injection may also have included a numbing medicine that works right away for a short time. It may leave your legs feeling heavy or numb at first. You will probably be able to walk. But you may need to be extra careful.
The effects of the numbing medicine should wear off in a few hours.
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