Lumbar Epidurals in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If chronic low back pain, sciatica, nerve irritation, or inflammation is limiting your ability to work, exercise, or enjoy daily activities, lumbar epidural injections may provide effective non-surgical pain relief. At Florida Joint & Spine Institute, FL, our spine specialists utilize advanced image-guided lumbar epidural injections to target inflammation around irritated spinal nerves and help reduce pain at its source. Patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, and surrounding Central Florida communities trust our experienced team for comprehensive spine care focused on improving mobility, restoring function, and helping them return to an active lifestyle with greater comfort.
What is a Lumbar Epidural?
Lumbar epidurals are injections to treat and relieve low back pain. A lumbar epidural involves injecting a local anesthetic and an anti-inflammatory steroid into the epidural space of the lower spine (lower back) to reduce inflammation causing the pain.
The epidural space is the area between the dura mater (a membrane covering the spinal cord) and the vertebral wall of the spine. This contains nerves, blood vessels and soft tissues.
Indications for the Procedure
The typical indication for the procedure is acute or chronic low back pain that radiates down your leg, which can be caused by various medical conditions or infection.
How do you Prepare for a Lumbar Epidural?
You may be told to do the following to prepare for the procedure:
- Stop taking antibiotics (if applicable) 4 weeks before the epidurals.
- Avoid using blood thinners (if applicable) two weeks before the procedure.
- Stop eating or drinking for specific hours prior to the injection.
- Arrange a driver to take you home after the discharge.
How is the Procedure Performed?
The procedure usually takes between 15 to 30 minutes and is performed in a surgery center, hospital, or a physician's clinic.
During the procedure:
- You will lie on your stomach on an X-ray table with your back slightly curved by a pillow under your abdomen.
- Alternatively, you may sit upright or lie on your side in a slightly curled position.
- The skin in the low back area is cleaned and then numbed with a local anesthetic.
- A fluoroscope (live X-ray) is positioned to guide a needle to the injection site.
- The needle is inserted into the skin and directed towards the epidural space.
- Proper position of the needle is confirmed by injecting contrast (dye) into the location.
- The steroid is then injected slowly to the affected area in the epidural space.
- You are likely to be monitored for 15 to 20 minutes before being discharged.
The number of epidurals required vary and can be anywhere between one to three injections.
Risks and Side Effects Associated with Lumbar Epidurals
Risks of lumbar epidurals include:
- Increase in the pain for several days
- Numbness of the bowels and bladder
- Puncture of dura mater leading to headache
- Infection, bleeding, nerve damage
Possible side effects are:
- Facial flushing (anxiety)
- Sleeplessness
- High blood sugar
- Arthritis of the hips
- Cataract (decrease in vision)
- Stomach ulcers
What Precautions should be Taken as You Recover from the Procedure?
As you recover from the procedure, you may need to:
- Apply an ice pack as instructed by your doctor
- Adequately rest for a specific period of time
- Avoid driving or rigorous activity for at least a day
- Avoid taking a bath or using a hot tub for 24 hours
Benefits of Lumbar Epidurals?
Lumbar epidurals are safe, effective and non-surgical and help to:
- Control inflammation
- Relieve pain
- Minimize the use of pain medicines
- Delay or avoid surgery
- Boost mental health
- Improve the quality of life
Why Choose Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA for Lumbar Epidurals?
Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA provides comprehensive spine care backed by experienced specialists who understand the impact chronic back and leg pain can have on your quality of life. Our team utilizes advanced diagnostic imaging, fluoroscopy-guided injection techniques, and personalized treatment plans to accurately target the source of pain and inflammation. Whether you are experiencing symptoms from a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, sciatica, or other spinal conditions, we are committed to delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered care designed to maximize pain relief and improve daily function.
Lumbar Epidurals FAQs
What is a lumbar epidural injection?
A lumbar epidural injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication and a local anesthetic into the epidural space of the lower spine to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.
What conditions can lumbar epidurals treat?
Lumbar epidurals are commonly used to treat conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica, degenerative disc disease, and other causes of lower back and leg pain.
How long does the procedure take?
Most lumbar epidural injections take approximately 15 to 30 minutes to complete and are performed on an outpatient basis.
Is the procedure painful?
Patients may feel mild pressure or temporary discomfort during the injection, but the procedure is generally well tolerated and performed using local anesthesia and image guidance.
How soon will I experience pain relief?
Some patients experience relief within a few days, while others may notice gradual improvement over one to two weeks as the steroid medication reduces inflammation.
How long do the results last?
Pain relief varies by patient and condition. Some individuals experience relief for several weeks or months, while others may benefit from a series of injections as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Can lumbar epidurals help me avoid surgery?
For many patients, lumbar epidural injections can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, potentially delaying or eliminating the need for surgical intervention.
Are lumbar epidural injections safe?
When performed by experienced specialists using fluoroscopic guidance, lumbar epidural injections are generally considered safe and effective with a low risk of complications.
Schedule a Lumbar Epidural Consultation in Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA
If persistent lower back pain, sciatica, or nerve-related leg pain is affecting your quality of life, the spine specialists at Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA can help. Contact Florida Joint & Spine Institute, PA today to schedule a consultation and learn whether lumbar epidural injections are the right treatment option for your condition. Our experienced spine team proudly serves patients throughout Sebring, Winter Haven, Lake Placid, Avon Park, and surrounding Central Florida communities with advanced, personalized spine care.
For more information about our services or to schedule an appointment, call us at or click here to request an appointment online. We’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
