About Epidural Steroid Injections
An epidural injection delivers a mixture of steroid and anaesthetic directly into the epidural space in your lower back (lumbar spine). Epidural injections are an effective, non-surgical option for treating spinal nerve irritation, sciatica and lower back pain. Download fact sheet (PDF) »
During the procedure
You will need to lie flat on your stomach for the injection. The radiologist will use local anaesthetic to numb the area. Video x-rays are used during the procedure, providing real-time images which help the radiologist to guide the steroid injection into the epidural space.
After the procedure
The pain relief may last for a couple weeks up to a few months.
You cannot drive for the remainder of the day, and should not do any strenuous activity for the next 24 hours.