If you’ve been involved in a car accident, slip and fall, or workplace injury in New York City and are suffering from chronic lower back pain, you’re not alone. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we represent injured victims across NYC who are dealing with lingering pain that affects their ability to work, move, and enjoy daily life.
For many personal injury clients, surgery can feel like a last resort—especially when there are less invasive options available. One increasingly popular treatment for accident-related back injuries is lumbar epidural steroid injections. In this blog, we’ll break down what these injections are, how they can help with lower back pain, and what accident victims in NYC should know when exploring their treatment options.
What Is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?
A lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly into the space around your spinal nerves. Rather than using oral medications that treat the whole body, this treatment targets the specific area of inflammation—providing faster, more localized relief.
The injection typically includes a corticosteroid, which reduces inflammation and swelling, and a local anesthetic, which provides immediate but temporary pain relief. Many of our personal injury clients report that this type of treatment not only reduces pain but also improves mobility and quality of life.
Common Causes of Lower Back Pain After an Accident
Lower back pain is one of the most frequently reported injuries after a serious accident. Even a low-speed collision can cause damage to the spine, leading to debilitating symptoms that may worsen over time.
At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we often see lumbar pain associated with:
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Herniated or bulging discs caused by trauma
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Sciatica, where compressed nerves cause pain down the leg
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Spinal stenosis, where the spinal canal narrows after an injury
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Muscle strains or ligament sprains
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Soft tissue damage from slips, falls, or lifting injuries
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Chronic inflammation stemming from repeated stress or overuse
If your lower back pain didn’t start until after an accident, it’s important to get a full medical evaluation and consider all treatment options available—including non-surgical solutions like lumbar ESIs.
How Do Epidural Injections Work?
When inflammation or damage occurs near the spinal nerves, it can cause pressure, pain, and even numbness or tingling in the legs. An epidural injection delivers medication directly into the epidural space—the area surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots—where it can reduce inflammation and relieve nerve compression.
There are three common types of lumbar epidural injections:
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Caudal Injections: Inserted through the base of the spine to treat lower lumbar conditions.
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Interlaminar Injections: Delivered between vertebrae to target multiple nerve levels.
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Transforaminal Injections: Focused on a specific nerve root for pinpoint accuracy.
Your doctor will choose the best type based on your injury, symptoms, and imaging results.
Is This Treatment Right for You?
If you’ve been in an accident and are still suffering from lower back pain despite physical therapy, rest, or medication, a lumbar epidural injection may be an option worth considering. These injections are commonly recommended when:
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Pain has lasted more than 6 weeks
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Pain radiates into your legs (sciatica)
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MRI or CT scans show nerve root compression
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You want to avoid surgery or postpone it
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Conservative treatment methods have failed
While not a cure, lumbar epidural injections can break the cycle of inflammation and pain, allowing you to participate more effectively in physical therapy and return to your daily activities with less discomfort.
Common Questions About Epidural Injections
Will It Hurt?
Most patients tolerate the procedure well. A local anesthetic is used to numb the injection site, and real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) ensures accurate needle placement.
How Long Does It Take?
The procedure typically takes about 15–30 minutes, and you can go home the same day.
How Long Do the Effects Last?
Relief can begin within days and last from a few weeks to several months. Some patients may need a series of injections for long-term benefit.
Are There Risks?
Like any procedure, there are risks, though they are rare. These may include infection, bleeding, temporary numbness, or soreness at the injection site.
Real-World Benefits for Injury Victims
At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, many of our clients report significant improvement after receiving a lumbar epidural injection as part of their recovery plan. The benefits include:
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Reduced dependence on pain medication
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Improved range of motion and flexibility
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Better sleep and reduced nighttime pain
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The ability to return to work or daily routines sooner
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Avoiding or delaying surgery
These injections can be especially helpful for clients who are undergoing settlement negotiations. Demonstrating that you’re actively treating your injuries and improving your function can strengthen your personal injury case.
Can You Recover the Cost of Injections in a Lawsuit?
Yes. If your lower back pain resulted from someone else’s negligence—whether in a car accident, fall, or other incident—then the costs of lumbar epidural injections may be included in your personal injury claim. This can cover:
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The cost of the injection(s)
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Follow-up appointments
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Imaging used for guidance
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Time missed from work during recovery
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Ongoing pain management therapy
Our firm regularly works with top pain management specialists across NYC and can help ensure that your treatment is properly documented and tied to your legal case.
A Note for No-Fault and Workers’ Comp Claims
In New York, lumbar epidural injections are frequently covered under No-Fault insurance if you were injured in a car accident. If you were hurt on the job, Workers’ Compensation may also provide coverage for this type of non-surgical treatment.
We’ll help you navigate the complexities of either system and make sure your rights are fully protected.
When Should You Speak With an Attorney?
If you’ve been injured and are exploring treatment options like epidural injections, it’s important to have an experienced personal injury lawyer by your side. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we:
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Help you document your injuries
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Coordinate with top medical providers
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Ensure your treatment supports your legal claim
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Fight for maximum compensation, including future medical care
We’ve represented clients throughout Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Manhattan, and beyond who are living with pain and trying to move forward after a traumatic accident.
Get Help Today With Your Injury and Pain Management
Don’t let back pain control your life after an accident. At Rosenberg & Rodriguez, we believe every injury victim deserves access to high-quality care—and the legal support to back it up. Whether you’re considering lumbar epidural injections or have already begun treatment, our team is ready to help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
📞 Call us at (8888) LAW-5080 or
📩 Schedule your free consultation here: https://rosenbergfirm.com/contact-us
We’re here for you—so you can focus on recovery while we handle the rest.
