Chronic lower back pain is one of the most common—and frustrating—conditions faced by adults today. For many, that pain doesn't just stay in the back. It radiates into the hips, buttocks, or even down the legs, creating symptoms often referred to as sciatica. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp shooting pain, or burning nerve discomfort, living with lumbar-related pain can significantly affect your mobility, sleep, and quality of life.
When physical therapy, medications, and lifestyle changes don’t offer enough relief, many patients turn to lumbar epidural steroid injections (LESIs) for help. These injections deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space—the area surrounding your spinal nerves—helping reduce swelling, calm irritated nerves, and relieve pain at the source.
Unlike surgery, LESIs are non-invasive, outpatient procedures with little downtime. And unlike oral painkillers, which affect the whole body, these injections offer targeted relief where it's needed most. For patients suffering from herniated discs, spinal stenosis, degenerative disc disease, or nerve root compression, LESIs can provide a critical window of pain relief—often enough to return to physical therapy, stay active, or avoid surgery altogether.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we take an evidence-based, patient-first approach to interventional spine care. Our team of specialists carefully evaluates each patient’s condition, imaging, and goals before recommending injections or any procedure. We believe that minimally invasive treatments should be customized—not cookie-cutter—and always integrated into a broader, whole-person care plan designed to restore function and improve quality of life.
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (LESI) is a minimally invasive procedure designed to relieve pain in the lower back and legs caused by inflammation or compression of the spinal nerves. It delivers a combination of corticosteroid medication and a local anesthetic directly into the epidural space—the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots in the lower spine.
This treatment targets the source of inflammation rather than masking pain throughout the body, offering focused relief with fewer systemic side effects than oral medications.
Lumbar epidural steroid injections are especially effective for patients with nerve-related pain stemming from:
For patients struggling with these conditions—especially when pain radiates into the legs—LESIs can offer a highly effective, non-surgical solution that improves mobility and reduces reliance on medications.
When a nerve in the lumbar spine becomes irritated—often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or degenerative changes—it triggers an inflammatory response. This leads to swelling, increased pressure on the nerve, and the classic symptoms of sciatica: pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness radiating down the leg.
A lumbar epidural steroid injection delivers corticosteroids—potent anti-inflammatory medications—right to the site of the irritated nerve. These steroids:
Often combined with a local anesthetic for short-term relief, this injection can provide significant, longer-lasting improvement by breaking the cycle of chronic inflammation.
By reducing pain and inflammation, LESIs can also create a therapeutic window—giving patients enough relief to begin or resume physical therapy, gentle movement, or posture correction that supports long-term healing.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we use lumbar epidural injections not as a standalone fix—but as a powerful tool within a comprehensive care plan designed to restore function, reduce pain, and help patients avoid surgery whenever possible.
If your pain stems from a specific nerve root being compressed or irritated, LESIs can target that precise area, reducing inflammation and calming nerve activity.
For many patients—especially those with moderate disc issues or spinal stenosis—LESIs provide enough relief to postpone or even eliminate the need for back surgery. This is especially beneficial for patients hesitant about surgical recovery or risks.
When back pain travels down the leg, it often points to nerve root involvement. LESIs are particularly effective in treating sciatica and lumbar radiculopathy, where the source of pain is nerve inflammation rather than structural instability.
If rest, medications, physical therapy, or chiropractic care haven’t provided relief, LESIs can serve as the next step in an escalating care plan—bridging the gap between conservative treatments and surgical options.
Not everyone is a candidate for spine surgery. For older adults or patients with other medical conditions that make surgery risky, LESIs offer a minimally invasive, lower-risk alternative for managing chronic back or leg pain.
Before recommending a lumbar epidural injection, our team conducts a comprehensive evaluation, which may include:
This helps us confirm that LESI is the right treatment and that it can be performed safely.
Patients are monitored briefly afterward to ensure stability and comfort before discharge.
While one injection may provide weeks—or even months—of relief, some patients require repeat treatments for continued benefit. To minimize risk, these are typically limited to 3–4 injections per year, and always spaced out based on individual response and clinical guidelines.
In patients with advanced degenerative disc disease, severe spinal stenosis, or previous failed surgeries, the effectiveness of LESIs may diminish over time. These cases may require additional interventions or a reevaluation of long-term care options.
Chronic back or leg pain doesn’t have to mean surgery.
For many patients, lumbar epidural steroid injections offer a safe, effective way to manage inflammation, relieve nerve compression, and restore quality of life—without the risks or downtime of invasive procedures.
At Medici Orthopaedics & Spine, we’ve seen firsthand how LESIs—when used thoughtfully and as part of a personalized care plan—can provide real, lasting relief. Whether you're struggling with sciatica, a herniated disc, or lumbar stenosis, our team is here to help you move forward—confidently and comfortably.
If you're wondering whether a lumbar epidural steroid injection is right for you, we invite you to take the next step with Medici. Our expert providers offer non-invasive, evidence-based care that puts your comfort and long-term function first.
📞 Call us today at: +1-844-328-4624
📍 Visit us at: Marietta, Snellville, Kennesaw, or Buckhead
🌐 Learn more at: https://medicimedicalarts.com
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We take time to hear your story, understand your pain, and create a plan that actually works for you.
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