The sciatic nerve is actually made up from many different nerve roots that exit the spine at different levels in the spine of the low back. A nerve root can be irritated for many different reasons such as a herniated disc.

When a nerve is injured it becomes inflamed just like any other part of the body. Nerve pain is usually felt as a burning, shooting, or an electrical type of pain in the leg and/or buttock. Not all pain felt in the leg is nerve pain.

A lumbar epidural injection is a special type of injection best used to treat nerve pain. The injection takes away the inflammation and eliminates the pain. Many patients obtain long term relief. Some people require more than one injection.

An MRI of the low back is needed to help evaluate and determine where the injection should be performed.

Joseph Peck, M.D.
Diplomate, American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation /
Pain Medicine
Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.