Anesthetic or Corticosteroid Injections for Low Back Pain

Trigger point injections. Sometimes, putting pressure on a certain spot in the back (called a trigger point) can cause pain at that spot or extending to another area of the body, such as the hip or leg. To try to relieve pain, a Reference local anesthetic Opens New Window, either alone or combined with a Reference corticosteroid Opens New Window, is injected into the area of the back that triggers pain (trigger point injection).

Facet joint injections. A local anesthetic or corticosteroid is injected into a Reference facet joint Opens New Window, which is one of the points where one Reference vertebra Opens New Window connects to another.

Epidural injections. A corticosteroid is injected into the Reference spinal canal Opens New Window Reference Opens New Window where it bathes the sheath that surrounds the spinal cord and Reference nerve roots Opens New Window.

These injections can be done by an Reference orthopedist Opens New Window, an Reference anesthesiologist Opens New Window, a Reference neurologist Opens New Window, a Reference physiatrist Opens New Window, a Reference pain management specialist Opens New Window, or a Reference rheumatologist Opens New Window.

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.