Does a Lumbar Epidural Hurt? ESI Without Sedation

Does a lumbar epidural steroid injection hurt? Watch a real low-back ESI done awake under X-ray, with local anesthesia only — no IV sedation. ▶ Next: Cervical ESI (awake) →    • Does a Cervical Epidural Hurt? Neck ESI Wi...   ▶ Also: How Long Does an ESI Last? →    • How Long Does an Epidural Steroid Injectio...   ▶ Also: SI Joint Pain Explained →    • SI Joint Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Injecti...   Schedule: (951) 784-7111 | https://unipain.com Lumbar epidural steroid injection — see exactly how it's done under X-ray with local anesthesia only, no IV sedation. Quick, awake, and well tolerated. Worried a lumbar epidural steroid injection (ESI) will be painful? In this video, Dr. Rainier Guiang of University Pain Consultants walks you through a real lumbar epidural steroid injection performed under live X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy) using local anesthesia only — no IV sedation. Many patients ask to be "put under" because they fear the procedure hurts. We'll show you why that's usually unnecessary, and the simple key to keeping it comfortable: numbing the skin and tissue well, then waiting a few seconds for the local anesthetic to fully take effect before continuing. You'll learn what an epidural steroid injection is, how it treats lower back pain and sciatica from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis, what the procedure actually feels like, and why staying awake is both safe and convenient — no IV, no fasting, and you can usually drive yourself home. We also cover what to expect afterward, including mild soreness and how the steroid relief builds over the following days. If you've been putting off this treatment because you're nervous, this video is for you. 👉 Subscribe for more pain management and spine procedure explainers:    / @universitypainconsultants   🌐 Learn more or request an appointment: www.unipain.com 📞 951-784-7111 ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 Will it hurt? What to know 00:12 What is a lumbar epidural steroid injection? 00:35 Why we use local anesthesia, not sedation 01:10 Positioning and prep 01:30 The key: numbing and letting it set in 02:15 Needle placement under fluoroscopy (X-ray) 03:00 Staying awake and comfortable ⚠️ This video is for general education only and is not medical advice. It does not replace a consultation with your physician. Individual results, risks, and experiences vary. Talk with a qualified clinician about whether an epidural steroid injection is right for you. #EpiduralSteroidInjection #BackPain #PainManagement #Sciatica #LowerBackPain #LumbarESI #InlandEmpire