The purpose of this study is to examine 4 different epidural dosing regimes of local anaesthetic solution in a series of 3 epidural injections over a period of 12 months to determine the optimum dose of anaesthetic solution for pain relief and to determine the nature of any adverse events by measuring anxiety and depression, functionality and any side effects of the medication.

To determine the optimum dose of local anesthetic and the optimum volume of injected solution when used in an epidural steroid injection being given for pain relief to patients with chronic lower back pain, using pain scores as an assessment tool.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-75 years old
• lower back pains > 6 months
• no lumbar epidural in past 6 months
• no previous back surgery
• written informed consent to participate in study

Exclusion Criteria:

• acute lower back pain
• pregnancy
• significant psychiatric disease
• local or systemic infection
• coagulopathy/anticoagulant therapy
• bleeding diathesis
• presently enrolled in another study