How painful is a lumbar epidural steroid injection?

Are epidural steroid injections painful? A local anesthetic is injected into the skin, numbing the area where the epidural needle is then placed. Patients may experience mild discomfort but should not experience severe pain during the procedure.

What does an epidural shot do for back pain?

A mixture of steroid and numbing medicine is injected into the area. This medicine decreases swelling and pressure on the larger nerves around your spine and helps relieve pain. The numbing medicine can also identify the painful nerve. You may feel some pressure during the injection.

Does an epidural for back pain work immediately?

The local anesthetic that is injected into the epidural space begins to work immediately to offer pain relief. The corticosteroids will work within a couple of days to a week to reduce inflammation in the area caused by the mentioned conditions.

How many epidural injections can you have for back pain?

Typically, up to 3 injections may be given over a 12-month period. While many studies have documented the short-term benefits of epidural steroid injections, the data on long-term effectiveness are less convincing.

Can you walk after a lumbar epidural?

Most of the time, you can walk within a half hour or so of your epidural injection. However, you will not necessarily be walking normally at this point. Most clinics and hospitals monitor you for 15 minutes to an hour after an epidural injection. During this time, they will likely ask how you feel.

What happens after lumbar epidural steroid injection?

Corticosteroid side effects can occur after this injection, but they usually resolve after several days. These side effects can include flushing, hot flashes, mild palpitations, insomnia, water retention, feeling anxious/restless, or headaches.

Can you walk after an epidural for back pain?

How long do epidural injections last for back pain?

Epidural corticosteroid shots (injections) may give you short-term relief from back pain that runs down your leg. On average, pain relief from the shots lasts about 3 months.

What is the difference between a cortisone shot and an epidural steroid injection?

As opposed to a systemic cortisone shot delivered into the bloodstream, an epidural injection is delivered at or near the sources of the nerve pain, providing targeted relief.

What happens if epidural steroid injection doesn’t work?

Doctors can often recommend other options that may relieve pain, though these can be dangerous too – they may prescribe opioids, a highly addictive pain medication, for example. Back surgery is rare, but some patients may face a surgical option if all other conventional treatments have failed.

What happens if epidural injection doesn’t work?

What can you not do after a lumbar epidural?

Do not drive within 12 hours of receiving your epidural injection. Do not apply heat right to the injection site for at least three days following the epidural. This includes steam rooms, saunas, and hot packs, but your regular shower is safe.