Dr. Samer Abdel-Aziz
One of the procedures we perform to treat lower back pain extending to the leg, such as sciatica or pain resulting from spinal canal stenosis, is the injection of steroids (corticosteroids) into the lower back around the spinal cord and nerve roots.
What is this procedure?
It involves injecting an anti-inflammatory medication and an anesthetic substance into the lower back, around the spinal cord and nerve roots, to treat lower back pain that radiates to one or both legs. This pain is typically caused by nerve root compression in the spine, which may result from a herniated disc or bony narrowing in the spine that presses on the nerve roots.
Injecting the medication into the spinal canal can help alleviate pain by eliminating the chemicals that cause inflammation or pain. Patients may experience relief after the first procedure, and it might need to be repeated two or three times depending on the situation. In some cases, if there is no improvement, surgery might be required.
How is the procedure done?
In our clinic’s interventional procedure room, you’ll be assisted in lying on your stomach on the operating table. We will disinfect the back area and apply a local anesthetic to the skin. Then, a needle is inserted under X-ray guidance to the precise target location in the spine. After confirming the needle’s correct position using imaging, the medication is injected, and the needle is removed.
What to Expect After the Procedure?
After the procedure, the nurse will escort you to your room and provide you with post-procedure instructions.
Improvement may not be immediate, and you might notice relief after a few days. In some cases, there may be no improvement at all. The nurse will contact you after several days to check on your progress and offer any advice you may need.
Are There Risks Associated with This Procedure?
As with any medication or medical procedure, there are risks involved, but generally, this procedure is considered safe, and the likelihood of complications is very low. Potential issues include a drop in blood pressure, nausea, bleeding in the spine, nerve damage, paralysis, headaches, or increased pain.
For pregnant women, there is a risk to the fetus due to the use of X-rays, so the procedure will be postponed until after delivery. If you are taking blood-thinning medications, we will pause these medications prior to the procedure to reduce the risk of bleeding.
We have contracts with some insurance companies in Jordan and try our best to have the cost of the procedures covered by insurance.
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