Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

Lumbar epidural steroid injection is a treatment for managing chronic spinal pain. It delivers a steroid to the site of pathology, usually onto an inflamed nerve root in the lumbar (lower back) region of the spine. A pain doctor injects the long-acting steroid into the foramen, the opening at the side of the spine where a nerve root exits. When nerves are compressed by ruptured discs, spine abnormalities, or spinal canal narrowing, they become pinched and inflamed. Occasionally this pain will radiate to the legs or feet. The inflammation in the spinal nerves can be relieved by placing steroid and numbing medicine (local anesthetic) right next to these nerves in the epidural space. A single injection may relieve the pain, but most patients require up to three injections to be more effective.

Why UAB

Treating pain and freeing the body of its effects requires comprehensive medical management. The physicians and staff of the UAB Medicine Pain Treatment Clinic offer the latest in pain management techniques, backed by the innovation, knowledge, and research of one of the country’s largest academic medical centers.

We recognize that relief from pain is just the first step in longer-term treatment. The multidisciplinary team combines clinical care with image-guided interventions, physical therapy, psychological assistance, medication, and ongoing consults with your primary care physicians.

At our clinic, the needs of each patient are addressed in an individualized manner, and the treatment program is carefully tailored to provide the best possible outcome. We are located at convenient UAB Hospital-Highlands, where access is easy and parking is free.

PHYSICIANS

Ryan M. Almeida, MD

Brandon S. Brooks, MD

Peter A. Nagi, MD

Timothy J. Ness, MD, PhD

Roland T. Short, MD

Thomas R. Vetter, MD, MPH

CLINICAL TRIALS

UAB is an active participant in research and clinical trials for Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection . We encourage you to speak to your physician about research and clinical trial options and browse the link below for more information on clinical trials at clinicaltrials.gov.

View Clinical Trials