Description

An epidural injection for back pain is a shot that delivers pain medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord. This can help relieve pain from a pinched nerve or slipped disc. How it works The injection contains an anti-inflammatory medicine and/or local anesthetic The medicine reduces inflammation and swelling around the spinal cord The local anesthetic numbs the nerves to provide pain relief When it's used When other treatments, like physical therapy or medication, haven't helped To treat pain that starts in the spine and radiates to an arm or leg Types of epidural injections Thoracic epidural injection: Treats the upper to middle part of your back Lumbar transforaminal epidural steroid injection: Treats nerves in your lower back Caudal epidural steroid injection: Helps manage lower back pain due to nerve irritation or inflammation