A Common Therapy for Back and Leg Pain
Lumbar epidural steroid injections are frequently used to relieve pain that radiates from the lower back into the legs. Such pain is often caused by conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica.
By delivering anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of irritation, an injection can reduce swelling and pressure on the nerves, improving symptoms in your back and legs.
Preparing for an Epidural Steroid Injection
To ensure the procedure is safe and effective, you may be asked to stop taking certain anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Aleve, or aspirin for several days beforehand. Otherwise, you can eat and drink normally.
Because mild sedation may be used, you should arrange for someone to drive you to and from your appointment.
What to Expect During the Procedure
Your physician will position you comfortably on your stomach, and the injection site will be numbed with a local anesthetic. Using real-time X-ray guidance (fluoroscopy), your physician will carefully place the needle into the epidural space near the affected nerves. Throughout the procedure, your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.
The process typically takes only a few minutes, followed by a short recovery period before you are discharged. Epidural injections are considered safe and have been used successfully for decades to help patients manage pain.
Recovering After Steroid Injections
Most patients limit activity for the rest of the day. Light walking and normal activities can usually be resumed the following day. Some soreness or a temporary increase in pain is common in the first 24-48 hours.
Relief usually begins within 2 to 5 days as the steroid medication takes effect. For some patients, the benefits last several weeks or months; for others, relief may be shorter or longer depending on their condition. Your doctor may recommend up to three injections per year as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Epidural Injections: Common Side Effects
Epidural injections are generally well tolerated. Possible short-term effects include:
- Tenderness or bruising at the injection site
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Temporary increase in pain before relief begins
- Elevated blood sugar (if you have diabetes)
- Slight rise in blood or eye pressure (if you have glaucoma)
These side effects are typically mild and resolve within a few days.
When to Call Your Doctor
While these symptoms are uncommon, contact your physician right away if you experience:
- Fever, chills, or signs of infection at the injection site
- Severe or worsening headache
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- New or rapidly increasing weakness or numbness in your legs
These symptoms are rare but require prompt medical attention.
Epidural Steroid Injections: Results & Expectations
Epidural steroid injections do not cure the underlying cause of back pain, but they can provide significant short-term relief that enables you to stay active, participate in physical therapy, and enjoy a better quality of life. For many patients, this can mean less reliance on medications and an improved ability to return to normal routines.