A Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (LESI) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate pain in the lower back, buttocks, or legs. It is often used to treat pain caused by:
- Herniated or bulging discs
- Spinal stenosis
- Sciatica (pain radiating down the legs)
- Degenerative disc disease
- Spondylolisthesis (slipped vertebra)
- Lumbar radiculopathy (nerve root compression or irritation)
LESI delivers steroid medication directly to the epidural space surrounding the spinal nerves, reducing inflammation and relieving pain.
How Does It Help?
Steroid medications are effective at reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves, which is often a significant source of pain. Pain relief can last from several weeks to several months, depending on your specific condition. The goal is to alleviate pain so you can participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation to strengthen your back and prevent future injury.
Steps of Administering a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
- Pre-procedure Preparation
- You’ll lie face down on a table, with a pillow placed under your abdomen to arch your back slightly.
- Your skin will be cleaned, and a local anesthetic will be applied to numb the injection site.
- Using Fluoroscopic Guidance
- The physician uses a special X-ray device called fluoroscopy to precisely guide the needle into the epidural space in your lumbar spine.
- Injection of Medication
- A contrast dye may be injected to confirm proper needle placement.
- Once in the correct position, a combination of corticosteroid and a small amount of anesthetic is injected into the epidural space.
- Post-Procedure
- After the injection, you’ll be monitored for 15-30 minutes to ensure there are no immediate side effects. You might experience mild soreness at the injection site, which usually resolves in a day or two.
When Can You Go Home?
- You will be able to go home shortly after the procedure, typically within 30-60 minutes.
- It’s important to have someone drive you home, as you may feel temporary numbness or weakness in the legs.
- Most patients can resume light activities the day after the procedure, but you should avoid strenuous activities for at least 24 hours.
How Many Injections Are Needed?
The number of injections required varies based on the severity of your condition and how your body responds to treatment. In most cases, patients experience relief after 1 to 3 injections, which are spaced a few weeks apart.
- Initial Relief: Some patients feel pain relief after the first injection, but it may take 2 to 3 injections to achieve optimal results.
- Long-term Management: For some patients, pain relief can last several months, while others may need additional injections if symptoms return.
Final Thoughts
A lumbar epidural steroid injection can be an effective part of a broader pain management strategy. While it doesn’t cure the underlying condition, it can significantly reduce inflammation and pain, allowing you to participate in physical therapy and other treatments that improve your overall spinal health.
If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, or if you’re unsure how it fits into your overall treatment plan, feel free to contact our office.