Epidural Injections for Back Pain: Recovery and Results

Back pain is one of the most common reasons for seeking medical care. It often interferes with work, daily activities, and quality of life. When conservative treatments such as physical therapy, medications, or lifestyle changes don’t provide enough relief, physicians may recommend a lumbar epidural steroid injection. This minimally invasive procedure is designed to calm inflamed nerves in the spine, reduce pain, and help you return to normal function.

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.

Next Steps in Greensboro

Chronic back or leg pain can be very debilitating. If you’re looking for a solution, talk with Spine & Scoliosis Specialists to learn whether epidural steroid injections could be a good option for you. With the right care plan, you can experience safe, effective relief, so contact us today.

Muscles or Spine? Finding the Source of Your Back Pain

Back pain is one of the most frequent health complaints in the United States, but not all back pain is the same. For some people, discomfort stems from strained muscles or physical overuse; for others, it may signal an underlying spinal condition.Knowing the difference matters, because the right diagnosis leads to the right treatment. Understanding whether your pain is muscular or spinal can help you take the next step toward effective relief — and we’re here to help.

Where is the Pain Located?

Spinal pain often radiates beyond the back itself. It may extend into the buttocks, legs, or even the feet. The discomfort is usually described as sharp, shooting, or burning.

Muscle pain tends to remain more localized. It is usually felt as a dull ache, tightness, or soreness in a specific area, such as the lower back. It often worsens with movement such as standing, walking, or rising from a chair.

Back Pain Onset and Duration

Spinal pain may appear suddenly, especially after an injury, fall, or strain on the spine.

Muscle pain often develops gradually after physical activity or overuse. It may come on after lifting something heavy, doing yardwork, or exercising more intensely than usual.

Check These Signs & Symptoms

Spinal conditions can cause pain that lingers or worsens over time. Additional symptoms may include numbness, tingling, weakness, or—in severe cases—changes in bladder or bowel control. Spinal issues often result from conditions such as herniated discs, arthritis, or spinal stenosis. These problems can put pressure on nerves, leading to symptoms such as sciatica — pain that travels from the lower back down the leg.

Muscle-related pain is more likely to cause stiffness, muscle spasms, or temporary weakness. Most muscle strains improve with reduced activity, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relievers. Soreness from overexertion should generally improve within a few days. If pain lasts longer or becomes more severe, check in with a spine specialist.

Spinal vs. Muscle Pain: Common Risk Factors

Spinal problems are more likely with age, previous back injuries, obesity, or degenerative conditions such as herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or arthritis.

Muscle problems are often linked to activity. Overexertion, sudden awkward movements, or lifting heavy objects can all strain muscles and cause discomfort.

Home Care for Back Pain

It might take a few days or a few weeks, but most back pain will improve using home treatment, especially for people younger than age 60. Over-the-counter anti-inflammatories, topical pain relievers, and/or the use of heat or ice treatments may help you feel better.

Stay as active as you can with back pain, but take it easy. Go for short, measured walks or try other light activities. Stop any activity that makes your pain worse, but don’t let the fear of pain keep you off your feet all the time. If home treatments aren’t working after several weeks, your provider might recommend stronger medication or other therapies.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Back pain should not be ignored if it:

  • Spreads down one or both legs
  • Is accompanied by fever, swelling, or redness in the back
  • Persists constantly or is most severe at night
  • Is associated with weakness, tingling, or numbness in the legs
  • Comes with loss of bladder or bowel control
  • Occurs along with unexplained weight loss

If any of these symptoms occur, it’s important to contact a spine specialist promptly for evaluation.

Overcoming Your Back Pain: Next Steps

Most muscle strains heal on their own with extra rest and simple at-home care. But persistent or worsening pain, especially when combined with nerve-related symptoms, may point to a spinal condition that requires specialized attention.

Remember, most back pain is not caused by a serious condition. Knowing the difference between muscle and spine pain can give you peace of mind and guide you toward the right treatment.

If your back pain is interfering with your life and home remedies haven’t helped, contact Spine & Scoliosis Specialists in Greensboro, NC for an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan. Wherever you are feeling the pain, we’re here to help you live without it.

How Osteoporosis Impacts Spine Health and How to Prevent It

Osteoporosis can significantly affect spine health, especially as we age. It’s important to understand how this condition leads to spine complications such as vertebral fractures, posture changes, and chronic pain. By recognizing the risks and preventive measures, you can help your patients maintain better spine health throughout their lives.

Continue reading

How Obesity Affects Your Spine and Ways to Combat It

Noticing some discomfort in your lower back recently? Finding it a bit more challenging to get up from a chair or bend over to pick something up? It might be a good time to check in with your weight, as those extra pounds can sometimes add up without us realizing. Taking proactive steps to address obesity can help support your spine and overall well-being.

Continue reading

When Should You See a Doctor for Back Spasms?

Back spasms can strike unexpectedly, often with intense pain that can make even the simplest movements feel impossible. While they are common, understanding the causes and knowing when to seek medical help is crucial for effective treatment. Let’s explore the likely causes of back spasms and when it’s time to reach out to a spine specialist for further evaluation.

Continue reading

Is Adult Scoliosis the Cause of Your Back Pain?

Back pain is one of the most common complaints, and the causes can range from muscle strain to more complex conditions like scoliosis. While scoliosis is often associated with children or teenagers, adults can also develop this condition, leading to persistent back pain and other troubling symptoms. So, could your back pain be related to adult scoliosis?

Continue reading

Does a Herniated Disc Require Surgery?

While the condition sounds serious—and often causes pain, numbness, or weakness—surgery isn’t always the answer. Sometimes referred to as a bulging, slipped, ruptured, or protruding disc, every year more than three million Americans suffer with a herniated disc. But the question remains: does everyone with a herniated disc need surgery? Let’s explore the options.

Continue reading