Targeted Relief for Lower Back Pain, Sciatica, and Pinched Nerves

Lower back pain can make everyday life difficult. Whether you’re struggling with pain that shoots down your leg, numbness in your foot, or persistent back pain that won’t improve with medication or physical therapy, lumbar injection therapy may help relieve your symptoms without surgery.

Lumbar injection therapy uses advanced image guided techniques to deliver medication directly to the source of your pain. By reducing inflammation around irritated nerves and joints, these minimally invasive procedures can help relieve pain, improve mobility, and get you back to the activities you enjoy.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage lower back pain using advanced lumbar injection techniques performed with fluoroscopic guidance for exceptional precision.

What Is Lumbar Injection Therapy?

Lumbar injection therapy includes several minimally invasive procedures designed to diagnose and treat pain affecting the lower back, hips, buttocks, and legs.

Depending on your diagnosis, injections may reduce inflammation, calm irritated nerves, or help determine the exact structure responsible for your pain.

Because lower back pain can have many different causes, Dr. Todd Koppel performs a thorough evaluation before recommending the most appropriate injection.

Conditions Commonly Treated

Lumbar injection therapy may be recommended for patients with:

  • Low back pain
  • Sciatica
  • Lumbar herniated discs
  • Pinched nerves
  • Lumbar radiculopathy
  • Spinal stenosis
  • Facet joint arthritis
  • Sacroiliac joint pain
  • Pain traveling into the buttock or leg
  • Numbness or tingling in the leg or foot

Many patients choose lumbar injection therapy after conservative treatments have not provided lasting relief.

Types of Lumbar Injections

Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

A lumbar epidural steroid injection is one of the most commonly performed lumbar injections and one of the most effective treatments for lower back pain with leg symptoms. Medication is delivered into the epidural space, directly bathing the inflamed nerve roots. Most patients experience significant improvement within three to seven days.

Lumbar Transforaminal Injection

The lumbar transforaminal injection targets a specific nerve root by approaching it through the foramen, the opening in the vertebra through which the nerve exits the spinal canal. Delivers medication with even greater precision than a standard epidural and is especially useful when imaging shows compression at a specific nerve level.

Lumbar Facet Joint Injection

A lumbar facet joint injection delivers medication directly into arthritic facet joints in the lower back. Used both for treatment and as a diagnostic tool to confirm whether the facet joint is the pain source.

Lumbar Medial Branch Block

The lumbar medial branch block involved an injection of local anesthetic around the medial branch nerves that supply the facet joints. A positive response, significant temporary relief, confirms the patient is a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation for longer-lasting relief.

Sacroiliac Joint Injection

The sacroiliac joint injection delivers medication directly into the sacroiliac joint, providing relief and confirming whether the SI joint is contributing to a patient’s lower back and buttock pain.

What to Expect

Before Your Procedure

Dr. Koppel will review your symptoms, imaging studies, medications, and previous treatments before recommending the most appropriate lumbar injection.

You’ll receive instructions regarding medications, eating, and transportation before your appointment.

During Your Procedure

The skin is numbed with local anesthetic before the needle is carefully guided into position using live fluoroscopic imaging.

Most procedures take approximately 10 to 20 minutes.

Sedation is available for patients who prefer additional comfort.

After Your Procedure

Most patients return home shortly after treatment.

Temporary soreness for a day or two is normal.

Many patients begin noticing improvement within several days and return to their usual activities the following day.

Why Choose Dr. Todd Koppel?

The success of lumbar injection therapy depends on identifying the true source of pain and delivering medication precisely where it is needed.

For nearly 30 years, Dr. Todd Koppel has helped patients throughout New Jersey manage chronic lower back pain using advanced interventional pain management techniques.

Patients choose Dr. Koppel because he offers:

  • Nearly 30 years of experience performing lumbar spine injections
  • Fellowship training at the Hospital for Special Surgery
  • Advanced fluoroscopic image guidance
  • Personalized treatment plans based on your diagnosis
  • Minimally invasive procedures performed in the office
  • A conservative approach focused on relieving pain while helping patients avoid surgery whenever possible

At Garden State Pain Management, every treatment begins with an accurate diagnosis so the right procedure can be recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

A local anesthetic may provide immediate temporary relief. The steroid component typically takes three to seven days to reach full effect. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within a week.

An epidural steroid injection is one type of lumbar injection. There are several others, including transforaminal injections, facet joint injections, and sacroiliac joint injections. Each targets a different structure. The appropriate type depends on your specific diagnosis.

Most lumbar injections are covered by standard health insurance and Medicare when appropriate clinical criteria are met. Dr. Koppel’s office will verify your coverage before scheduling.

For many patients, yes. Lumbar injections can reduce inflammation, relieve nerve irritation, and improve mobility, allowing many people to recover without surgery. While they aren’t appropriate for every condition, they are often an effective part of a comprehensive treatment plan designed to help patients avoid more invasive procedures whenever possible.

Most patients describe lumbar injections as causing only mild discomfort. Before the procedure begins, the skin is numbed with a local anesthetic, and fluoroscopic imaging is used to guide the needle accurately into the treatment area. Sedation is also available for patients who feel anxious about the procedure.

In many cases, yes. Most lumbar injections are performed using only a local anesthetic, allowing patients to drive themselves home afterward. If sedation is used, however, you’ll need someone to drive you home. Your instructions will be reviewed before your procedure.

Todd Koppel, MD, interventional pain specialist

Todd Koppel, MD

Board-Certified, Fellowship-Trained Interventional Pain Specialist

“After seeing two previous doctors without results, Dr. Koppel helped me get my life back. I’m now more mobile and no longer in pain 24/7.” ✓ Verified Patient Review
Book an Appointment →

Precision Is the Difference Between Masking Pain and Actually Stopping It

Living with pain can affect every part of your life, but you don’t have to face it alone.

At Garden State Pain Management, Dr. Todd Koppel takes the time to understand your symptoms, identify the source of your pain, and recommend a personalized treatment plan designed to help you feel better and get back to the activities you enjoy.

Whether you’re experiencing neck pain, back pain, joint pain, or another chronic pain condition, we’re here to help.

Call (973) 473-5752 today to schedule your consultation.

Get In Touch

Clifton Location
1033 Clifton Ave., Suite 209 Clifton, NJ 07013

Elizabeth Location
230 West Jersey Street, Suite 306, Elizabeth, NJ 07202

Open Hours
Mon – Wed: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Thursday: 10:00am – 6:30pm
Friday: 8:30am – 4:30pm