The space between the membrane (dura) covering the spinal cord and the bone is called the epidural space. Epidural injections can be used to treat moderate herniated discs, degeneration, low back pain after lumbar surgery, and post-traumatic pain.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is performed after the patient has been evaluated. Computed tomography (CT) may also be used to evaluate bone structures.

Patients with herniated discs and lumbar spinal canal narrowing may require surgery if they have severe neurological deficits such as paralysis, sensory loss, urinary incontinence, and severe compression findings on MRI. For mild stenosis without neurological deficits, epidural injection may be considered. The injection is performed by applying local anesthetic to the patient under Xray imaging under operating room conditions. Local anesthetic and steroids are injected into the epidural space to reduce edema and pain in the nerves. Short-term or long-term effect can be achieved in the treatment.