Everything You Need to Know About Lumbar Epidurals

Lumbar spine epidurals are commonly used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease, which can cause lower back pain, leg pain, and other symptoms. The benefits of lumbar spine epidurals include pain relief, reduced inflammation, and improved mobility.

However, like any medical procedure, lumbar spine epidurals have potential risks and side effects, including infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and temporary weakness or numbness in the legs. Therefore, it is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the procedure with your healthcare provider before deciding whether to undergo the procedure.

What Are The Risks of Lumbar Spine Epidurals?

Lumbar spine epidurals, like any medical procedure, carry some risks and potential complications. While these risks are relatively uncommon, it is essential to be aware of them before deciding to undergo the procedure. Some potential risks of lumbar spine epidurals include:

1. Infection: The injection site can become infected, which can cause serious complications. Signs of infection may include redness, warmth, swelling, and fever.
2. Nerve damage: The needle used to deliver the medication can cause damage to nerves in the spine, leading to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs.
3. Bleeding: In rare cases, the injection can cause bleeding in the epidural space, leading to nerve damage or spinal cord injury.
4. Allergic reactions: Some people may experience an allergic reaction to the medication used during the procedure, leading to symptoms such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing.
5. Increased pain: In some cases, the injection may not provide relief from pain and may even cause increased pain in the affected area.
6. Dural puncture: In rare cases, the needle may puncture the dura, a protective covering of the spinal cord, leading to headaches or other complications.

It is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits of lumbar spine epidurals with your healthcare provider before deciding to undergo the procedure. Your doctor can help you understand whether the procedure is appropriate for your specific condition and medical history. 

How should you prepare for a lumbar spine epidural?

If your healthcare provider has recommended a lumbar spine epidural, there are several things you can do to prepare for the procedure. Here are some general guidelines to follow:

1. Discuss any concerns or questions with your healthcare provider: Before the procedure, you should discuss any concerns or questions you have about the procedure with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what to expect and provide guidance on how to prepare.
2. Inform your healthcare provider about medications and allergies: You should inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, supplements, and herbal remedies. You should also inform them of any allergies you have.
3. Avoid blood-thinning medications: Blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and warfarin, can increase the risk of bleeding during the procedure. You should avoid these medications for several days before the procedure, as instructed by your healthcare provider.
4. Arrange for transportation: You may be given medication during the procedure that can impair your ability to drive. Therefore, you should arrange for transportation to and from the procedure.
5. Wear comfortable clothing: You should wear loose, comfortable clothing to the procedure to make it easier to change into a gown if necessary.
6. Follow fasting instructions: Your healthcare provider will provide instructions on fasting before the procedure. It is important to follow these instructions to avoid complications during the procedure.
7. Ask questions: If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure, do not hesitate to ask your healthcare provider. They are there to help you and provide support throughout the process.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a safe and successful lumbar spine epidural procedure. 

How Long Do Lumbar Epidural Injections Last?

The duration of pain relief from a lumbar epidural injection can vary depending on several factors, including the underlying condition being treated, the severity of the pain, and the individual patient's response to the injection. In general, the effects of a lumbar epidural injection may last anywhere from a few days to several months.

In some cases, a single injection may provide sufficient pain relief, while in others, a series of injections may be necessary to achieve the desired results. The number of injections recommended will depend on the patient's specific condition and response to treatment.

It is important to note that lumbar epidural injections are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, medication, and other therapies. The goal of the injection is to provide temporary pain relief, allowing patients to engage in physical therapy and other treatments that can help address the underlying condition and improve overall function.

If you have questions about the duration of pain relief from a lumbar epidural injection or whether this treatment may be appropriate for you, it is important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of the procedure and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.  

How Often Can You Have a Lumbar Epidural?

The frequency with which you can have a lumbar epidural injection may vary depending on several factors, including the underlying condition being treated, the severity of the pain, and the individual patient's response to the injection. In general, there is no set limit to the number of lumbar epidural injections that can be administered, but the injections are typically given on an as-needed basis.

If a single injection provides sufficient pain relief, additional injections may not be necessary. However, if the pain returns, additional injections may be considered. In some cases, a series of injections may be recommended to achieve the desired results.

It is important to note that lumbar epidural injections are typically used as part of a broader treatment plan that may include physical therapy, medication, and other therapies. The goal of the injection is to provide temporary pain relief, allowing patients to engage in physical therapy and other treatments that can help address the underlying condition and improve overall function.

If you have questions about the frequency of lumbar epidural injections or whether this treatment may be appropriate for you, it is important to discuss these concerns with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of the procedure and provide guidance on the most appropriate treatment options for your specific condition.

Frequently Asked Questions About Lumbar Spine Epidurals

If you're experiencing back pain, your doctor may recommend a lumbar spine epidural as a treatment option. But what exactly is this procedure, and what can you expect? Here are some frequently asked questions about lumbar spine epidurals to help you understand the process and potential benefits.

How are Lumbar Spine Epidurals Administered?

A lumbar spine epidural is administered by a healthcare provider, typically a pain management specialist. The patient will lie on their stomach or side, and the provider will use a needle to inject a steroid medication into the epidural space in the lower back. This space surrounds the spinal cord and nerves, and the medication can help reduce inflammation and pain in the area. The procedure is typically done under local anesthesia, and patients may feel some pressure or discomfort during the injection.

The needle used for a lumbar spine epidural is guided by fluoroscopy, which is a type of X-ray imaging. This allows the provider to ensure that the medication is being injected into the correct location. The procedure usually takes about 15-30 minutes, and patients may be monitored for a short time afterward to ensure there are no complications. It is important to follow any pre- and post-procedure instructions provided by the healthcare provider to ensure the best possible outcome.

What Conditions Can a Lumbar Spine Epidural Treat?

Lumbar spine epidurals can be used to treat a variety of conditions that cause back pain, including herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. They can also be used to manage pain after spinal surgery or to provide relief for chronic pain conditions like sciatica. Your healthcare provider will determine if a lumbar spine epidural is the right treatment option for your specific condition.

Lumbar spine epidurals are a common treatment option for those suffering from back pain. They work by delivering medication directly to the affected area, providing targeted pain relief. Some of the conditions that can be treated with a lumbar spine epidural include herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and degenerative disc disease. They can also be used to manage pain after spinal surgery or to provide relief for chronic pain conditions like sciatica. Your healthcare provider will determine if a lumbar spine epidural is the right treatment option for your specific condition and will discuss the potential risks and benefits with you before proceeding.

Who is a Good Candidate for a Lumbar Spine Epidural?



A good candidate for a lumbar spine epidural is someone who is experiencing back pain due to a specific condition, such as a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. It is important to note that a lumbar spine epidural is not a first-line treatment option and is typically only recommended after other conservative treatments have been tried and failed. Your healthcare provider will evaluate your specific condition and medical history to determine if a lumbar spine epidural is the right treatment option for you.

Other factors that may make someone a good candidate for a lumbar spine epidural include chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments, difficulty with daily activities due to back pain, and the desire to avoid surgery. It is important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare provider and weigh the potential risks and benefits before deciding on a lumbar spine epidural. Additionally, individuals with certain medical conditions, such as infections or bleeding disorders, may not be good candidates for this procedure. Your healthcare provider will take all of these factors into consideration when determining if a lumbar spine epidural is right for you. If you think you are in need of treatment, contact Advanced Pain Treatment today!