What do i need to ask about an epidural steroid injection in the lower lumbar area?

What is Goal: As with any medical treatment the questions you should ask should revolve around the risks, benefits, complications and alternatives. Very important questions is "what is the goal?". In other words is it being done for pain relief, diagnostic purposes, or with intention of actually treating therapeutically an underlying problem.

Under Xray Guidance: Most trained physicians perform these under Flouroscopic X-ray equipment to guide them correctly and safely to the epidural space. The older technique is still used without x-ray guidance only for those patients having a baby, getting a surgery or needing a catheter placement for infusion of anesthetic in the hospital. This older technique is not recommended for a steroid based injection.