Intralaminar Epidural Steroid Injection

An intralaminar epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers anti-inflammatory medication into the epidural space of the spine through a central (midline) approach. This space lies just outside the protective covering of the spinal cord and nerve roots.

By bathing irritated nerves with a mixture of steroid medication and local anesthetic, this injection helps reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and improve function.

It is commonly recommended for conditions that cause back pain, leg pain (sciatica), or nerve irritation in the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine.

Your provider may recommend this injection if you have:

• Low back pain, mid-back pain, or neck pain associated with nerve irritation
• Sciatica or radiating leg pain
• Radiculopathy (pinched nerve)
• Herniated or bulging discs
• Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal)
• Degenerative disc disease
• Pain that has not improved with medications or physical therapy

The goal is to reduce inflammation around the nerves, relieve pain, and help you return to normal daily activities without surgery.

This procedure is usually done in an outpatient clinic or surgery center.

• You will lie face down on an X-ray (fluoroscopy) table.
• The skin over the treatment area (neck, mid-back, or low back) is cleaned, sterilized, and numbed with a local anesthetic.
• Using fluoroscopy (live X-ray), your provider guides a thin needle into the central epidural space between two vertebrae.
• Contrast dye is used to confirm correct needle placement.
• A mixture of steroid medication and local anesthetic is slowly injected to coat the irritated nerves.
• The entire procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes, followed by a brief monitoring period before you go home.

• You may feel numbness or temporary relief right away from the local anesthetic.
• It is normal for pain to return once the anesthetic wears off, usually within a few hours.
• The steroid medication typically begins working within 2–5 days, with maximum benefit often seen within 1–2 weeks.
• Mild soreness at the injection site can occur for a day or two.
• Light activity is encouraged, but avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, or prolonged bending/twisting for 24–48 hours.

Many patients experience significant improvement in pain, mobility, and daily function for weeks to months after a successful injection.

Intralaminar epidural injections are considered very safe. Rare but possible risks include:

• Temporary increase in pain
• Headache
• Bleeding or bruising at the injection site
• Infection (very rare due to sterile technique)
• Nerve irritation (very rare)
• Allergic reaction to medications (extremely rare)

At Horizon Spine & Pain of Utah, we use advanced imaging and strict sterile techniques to ensure your safety and comfort.