4 Questions to Ask About Epidural Steroid Injections

An epidural steroid injection is a form of anti-inflammatory medicine that can be injected into the epidural space around spinal nerves to help improve and alleviate pain. It is most commonly used to manage chronic pain in patients, often due to the inflammation of a spinal nerve due to certain conditions and/or injuries.

Epidural steroid injections typically target the lumbar region of your spine and are particularly useful in treating radicular pain, sciatica, and other types of pain that affect the lower back, hips, legs, and/or feet. This includes a lumbar herniated disc, degenerative disk disease, spinal stenosis, lumbar osteoarthritis, axial back pain, and neurogenic claudication.

Epidural steroid injections typically start working within 2-10 days and the pain relief can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months depending on the health of the patient, the severity of the pain, and the complexity of the condition causing the discomfort.

On average, pain relief has been reported to last an average of 4-6 months before a follow-up treatment is required. It’s important to keep in mind that epidural steroid injections are not a cure for back pain but are simply an aid in mitigating chronic and/or severe pain.

An epidural involves injecting a steroid into a targeted area for the purpose of obtaining pain relief and increasing mobility. However, following your epidural steroid injection there are several things you’ll want to avoid to ensure your overall health and safety:

Don’t Drive. You cannot, and should not, drive after your epidural as you’ll often experience numbness and slow reflexes after receiving this type of injection. It’s important to arrange transportation to and from your appointment, as you shouldn’t drive for at least 12 hours following treatment.

Don’t Apply Heat. After your treatment, it may be tempting to apply heat to the area, especially if the injection site is sore. However, this can actually aggravate the area further so it should be avoided for at least 72 hours following your procedure. You should also avoid very hot showers, steam rooms, and hot packs in this time frame as well. Instead, apply ice to the area to provide some relief should you need it.

Don’t Exercise. While you likely won’t feel like exercising following your treatment, avoid it even if you do for at least 24 hours. It’s important to give your body time to adjust to your treatment, so steer clear from strenuous and high-impact exercise/movements until you’re fully recovered.

Epidural steroid injections can be safely administered as needed, though it’s recommended that you always talk to a specialist to figure out what the best course of action is for you.

Injections may be scheduled weeks apart, while some people may only require a handful of injections (if that) over the course of the year. For many chronic conditions, injections are typically scheduled 3-4 months apart. However, this will vary depending on your unique medical needs and your level of discomfort.

At Northstar Joint and Spine, our team of medical professionals can provide you with the treatment you need to get back to feeling your best. For more information about epidural steroid injections and whether they may be the right option for you, connect with us today. Or, when ready, you can book online to see a specialist at your earliest convenience. We serve patients from Plano TX, McKinney TX, Richardson TX, Frisco TX, Allen TX, Addison TX, Carrollton TX, and BEYOND!