This injection procedure is performed to relieve low back and radiating leg pain using steroid medication to reduce the swelling and inflammation caused by spinal conditions. In some cases it may be necessary to repeat the procedure as many as three times to get the full benefit of the medication. Many patients get significant relief from only one or two injections.

The patient lies face down and a cushion under the stomach area provides comfort and flexes the back. In this position, the spine opens and allows for easier access to the epidural space. A fluoroscope assists the physician in locating the appropriate lumbar vertebra and nerve root. A local anesthetic is then used to numb the skin.  All the tissue down to the surface of the lamina portion of the lumbar vertebra bone is anesthetized. 

The physician slides a needle through the anesthetized track.  Then, using the fluoroscopic for guidance, the physician slides the needle toward the epidural space between the vertebra. A contrast solution is injected and the physician uses the fluoroscope to see the painful areas and to confirm the correction location of the needle tip.  A steroid-anesthetic mix is injected into the foraminal epidural space, bathing the painful nerve root with medication.