Injectable Medication for Low Back Pain

Medicine bottles glass and syringe injection needle on white background / Medication drug bottle equipment medical tool for nurse or doctor

Overview

This procedure is typically performed in a hospital, clinic or ambulatory surgical center. It is considered a surgical procedure, typically done by pain management physicians, anesthesiologists and some other specialists.

This procedure must be provided by a licensed specialist.

 



 

RESCU Treatment Ratings

R = Risk      E = Effectiveness      S = Self-Care

C = Cost     U = Usefulness (overall rating)

1 = Least Favorable     5 = Most Favorable

R

RISK: 2/5

There is a potential 0.1% to 0.01% risk of infection. Other risks include a “wet tap” where the dura is punctured and can cause a spinal headache and may require a “blood patch’ to create a clot around the puncture. These occur in about half of 1% of epidural steroid injections.

Other potential risks include nerve damage, though this is extremely rare. In addition, steroids themselves can have side effects ranging from pain in the area of injection, to spiking in blood sugars. For that reason, caution is indicated in diabetic patients.

Provider Type: Pain Management Doctor

E
S
C
U