Common causes of pinched nerves include disk protrusions into the nerve space, arthritic facet joints with a narrowed spinal canal and bone spurs. Less often, scar tissue that has formed from a previous surgery can cause nerve impingement and pain.

Nerves exit the spinal cord through the epidural space. Physicians use this space to deliver medicine near the spinal nerves. The most-effective medicines include local numbing medicines and antiinflammatory steroids, which help reduce swelling and inflammation that can lead to pinched nerves.

Nerve irritation in the lumbar spine can cause pain, tingling or numbness in the back and legs.

What is the epidural space?

The membrane that covers the spinal cord and nerve roots in your neck is called the dura membrane. The space surrounding the dura is called the epidural space. Inflammation of the nerve roots in the neck may cause pain in the arms and shoulders because of irritation from a damaged disk or from contact with the bony structure of the spine.

What is an epidural injection and why is it helpful?

An epidural injection places antiinflammatory medicine into the epidural space to decrease inflammation of the nerve roots to reduce pain in your back and legs. The epidural injection may help the injury heal by reducing inflammation. It may provide permanent relief or pain relief for several months while the cause of your pain is healing.