Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection (LESI)
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure used to relieve lower back pain and leg pain (sciatica).
This treatment involves injecting a powerful anti-inflammatory steroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal nerves in the lower back.
The goal is to reduce inflammation, relieve nerve irritation, and decrease pain, helping patients return to normal activities.
What Conditions Does This Treatment Help?
- Herniated discs
- Sciatica (radiating leg pain)
- Spinal stenosis
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic low back pain with nerve involvement
How Does a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Work?
Pain in the lower back often occurs when spinal nerves become inflamed or compressed.
- The steroid is injected into the epidural space around the nerves
- It reduces inflammation and swelling
- This relieves pressure on the nerves
- Pain signals traveling to the brain are reduced
This allows the irritated nerve to heal and function more normally.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Before the Procedure
- Review of symptoms and imaging (MRI or CT scan)
- Adjustment of medications if needed
During the Procedure
- Performed under fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) for accuracy
- Local anesthesia is used to numb the area
- A needle is guided into the epidural space
- Steroid medication is injected near the affected nerve
- Procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes
After the Procedure
- Short observation period
- Mild soreness may occur
- Most patients go home the same day
Benefits of Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection
✔ Minimally invasive, no surgery required
✔ Reduces inflammation and nerve irritation
✔ Provides relief from back and leg pain (sciatica)
✔ Improves ability to participate in physical therapy
✔ May delay or avoid surgery
Many patients experience temporary but meaningful pain relief, often lasting several weeks to months.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
You may be a candidate if you:
- Have lower back pain with leg pain, numbness, or tingling
- Have nerve compression confirmed on imaging
- Have not improved with medications or physical therapy
- Want a non-surgical treatment option
This procedure is commonly recommended before considering surgery.
Risks & Side Effects
- Temporary increase in pain
- Headache (due to spinal fluid leak)
- Infection or bleeding (rare)
- Nerve injury (very rare)
- Temporary increase in blood sugar or blood pressure
When Is This Treatment Recommended?
- Conservative treatments have failed
- Pain is nerve-related (radicular pain or sciatica)
- Symptoms are affecting mobility and quality of life
- Surgery is not yet necessary
Recovery & Results
- Pain may initially worsen for 1–2 days before improving
- Relief usually begins within 2–7 days
- Pain relief may last weeks to several months
- Repeat injections may be recommended if needed
FAQs
Typically limited to a few per year for safety.
Treatment Offered By Kansas Pain Management
Kansas Pain Management offers a comprehensive pain treatment plan that is tailored to each patient’s specific needs. The first step is a thorough evaluation, which includes a medical history, physical examination, and diagnostic testing, if necessary.
Treatment options may include medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery, depending on the underlying cause of the pain.
Kansas Pain Management also offers a range of minimally invasive procedures to help alleviate pain and restore function. With board-certified and fellowship-trained physicians, Kansas Pain Management is committed to providing the highest quality care for patients suffering from pain. You can book an appointment with us at Overland Park, Lawrence, Leavenworth/Lansing, Roeland Park, etc. We also serve nearby locations like Ottawa, Missouri, Topeka, Belton, Manhattan, Lee’s Summit, Johnson County & Kansas areas.
Book an appointment here to learn more or call us at 913-339-9437 to schedule now.
Some Of The Other Surgical Procedures We Provide:
FAQs
A LESI is a common procedure where medications, usually steroids, are injected into the epidural space of the lumbar spine to calm inflamed nerves.
The steroids injected into the epidural space help calm down inflamed nerves that may be causing low back and leg pain.
The procedure usually does not require sedation, but patients are given a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort from the needle.
LESI is used to treat lower back pain and pain that radiates to the legs, including radiculopathy, radiculitis, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, herniated discs, and post-herpetic neuralgia.
Post-herpetic neuralgia is a complication of shingles, and LESI is used as one of the treatments for this condition.
A needle is used to access the epidural space, and medications such as steroids are injected to reduce inflammation.