If you’re dealing with persistent lower back pain that radiates into your legs, you’re not alone. Many patients with herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica struggle to find long-term relief—especially when medications or physical therapy haven’t been enough.
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, we offer lumbar epidural steroid injections at our Tampa and Riverview locations to help reduce inflammation, ease nerve pain, and restore function—without surgery. Interventional pain specialists trust this minimally invasive procedure for its ability to target the root of spinal discomfort directly.
What Is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical procedure that delivers a powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space of the lower spine. This is the area surrounding the spinal cord and nerve roots—where irritation or compression often causes pain that travels down the legs.
The goal is to reduce swelling around the nerves, which can relieve pressure and help restore mobility. The injection is typically performed under fluoroscopic (X-ray) guidance to ensure precision and safety. Most procedures take less than 30 minutes and are done on an outpatient basis, meaning you’ll go home the same day.
Unlike trigger point injections or facet joint blocks, lumbar epidural steroid injections are designed to treat pain that originates from spinal nerve inflammation, making them especially effective for conditions like sciatica or nerve root compression.
Conditions This Injection Helps Treat
Lumbar epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat conditions that involve inflammation or compression of the spinal nerves in the lower back. These issues can cause pain that radiates into the legs, often making it difficult to sit, stand, or move comfortably throughout the day.
This treatment may be recommended for patients diagnosed with:
- Herniated or bulging discs, where disc material presses on nearby nerves
- Sciatica (lumbar radiculopathy), causing sharp or burning pain that travels down one or both legs
- Spinal stenosis, or narrowing of the spinal canal that puts pressure on nerves
- Degenerative disc disease, which can lead to chronic inflammation and instability
- Post-surgical lower back pain, especially when residual nerve irritation remains
By delivering medication directly to the area surrounding the affected nerves, lumbar epidural steroid injections can reduce inflammation and relieve pain without requiring surgery.
What to Expect During a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
Knowing what to expect can help ease any anxiety you might have about the injection. At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, we take every step to ensure your comfort, safety, and peace of mind throughout the process.
Here’s a step-by-step overview:
- Preparation: You’ll lie comfortably on an exam table, typically on your stomach. The injection site will be cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
- Imaging Guidance: Using fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray imaging), your provider will carefully guide a thin needle into the epidural space in your lower spine.
- Injection: A combination of a corticosteroid and sometimes a local anesthetic is delivered directly to the area surrounding your irritated nerve roots.
- Monitoring and Recovery: The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes. You’ll be observed for a short period afterward, and most patients go home the same day.
You may feel some pressure during the injection, but the discomfort is usually mild and brief. Our experienced team performs these procedures regularly and follows strict safety protocols to minimize any risks.
Recovery Time and Follow-Up Care
Most patients can return home shortly after the injection. It’s common to experience mild soreness at the injection site, which typically fades within a day. While some patients begin to feel relief within 24 to 48 hours, it may take up to a week for the full benefits to set in as the steroid reduces inflammation around the nerves.
To support your recovery:
- Avoid strenuous activity or heavy lifting for the first 24 hours
- Resume normal activities gradually, based on how you feel
- Keep track of any changes in pain level to discuss at your follow-up
The duration of pain relief can vary. Some patients experience weeks or even months of reduced symptoms after just one injection. If symptoms return, additional injections may be considered—up to three injections per year is typical, depending on your specific condition and response to treatment.
Our team will work with you to determine if repeat treatments are appropriate, or if other therapies should be part of your long-term care plan.
Why Choose Florida Spine & Pain Specialists?
At Florida Spine & Pain Specialists, we provide expert care for patients struggling with chronic back and leg pain, without relying on surgery or long-term opioid use.
Your lumbar epidural steroid injection will be performed by a board-certified interventional pain specialist using advanced image-guided techniques to ensure precision and safety. Our providers are experienced in managing complex spinal conditions and take time to understand each patient’s unique symptoms and goals.
We serve patients at two convenient locations in Tampa and Riverview, offering in-house diagnostic services, minimally invasive procedures, and follow-up care in a supportive, professional environment.
- Insurance accepted
- Flexible scheduling for consultations
- Compassionate, patient-first approach
Contact us today to learn more or request an appointment.
Meet Your Provider
Your procedure will be performed by Dr. Nomen Azeem, MD, FAAPMR, a double board-certified interventional pain management physician and founder of Florida Spine & Pain Specialists. Dr. Azeem is a nationally recognized expert in non-surgical treatment options for chronic back and nerve pain, with advanced training in image-guided spinal injections.
He has served as principal investigator in multiple clinical trials, is a frequent speaker at national conferences, and has published extensively in peer-reviewed pain journals. Dr. Azeem’s approach focuses on restoring quality of life through personalized, evidence-based care.
Our care team also includes Ashley Wheeler, APRN, a board-certified family nurse practitioner who supports patient evaluations, post-procedure care, and ongoing treatment planning.
Together, they are committed to helping you find meaningful relief with the least invasive option possible.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection FAQs (and Answers)
Do lumbar epidural steroid injections hurt?
Answer: Most patients report only mild discomfort during the procedure. A local anesthetic is used to numb the area beforehand, and you may feel a slight pressure during the injection.
How long does the injection take to work?
Answer: Relief may begin within 24 to 48 hours, though it can take up to a week for the full anti-inflammatory effect to be felt.
How many injections can I have?
Answer: Typically, up to three injections per year may be recommended, spaced several weeks apart. Your provider will determine the appropriate schedule based on your condition and response.
Are there side effects or risks?
Answer: Side effects are rare but may include temporary soreness, headache, or in very rare cases, infection or nerve irritation. Our team uses image guidance and sterile technique to minimize risks.
Will insurance cover this treatment?
Answer: In many cases, yes. Lumbar epidural steroid injections are commonly covered by insurance when medically necessary. We can verify your benefits and discuss any out-of-pocket costs beforehand.
What’s the difference between an epidural injection and surgery?
Answer: An epidural steroid injection is a non-surgical, outpatient treatment that targets inflammation directly. Surgery is more invasive and typically reserved for cases that don’t respond to conservative treatment.
Can I drive home after my injection?
Answer: We recommend arranging a ride home after the procedure. While many patients feel fine, it's best to avoid driving due to the sedative effects of the local anesthetic or medication.
How do I know if this is the right treatment for my condition?
Answer: The best way to know is through a comprehensive evaluation. If your back or leg pain is caused by inflammation or nerve compression, an epidural steroid injection may be a highly effective option.
Schedule a Consultation with Florida Spine & Pain Specialists
If you’re living with ongoing back pain that radiates into your legs, you don’t have to wait for relief. Lumbar epidural steroid injections may be the solution, especially if you’re looking to avoid surgery or reduce reliance on medications.
We serve patients across the Tampa Bay area at our Riverview and Tampa locations. Our team will walk you through your options and help determine whether this treatment fits your needs.
Ready to find relief? Call (813) 333-1343 or book an appointment online today.
