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Chronic neck and back pain can impact the quality of life so severely that finding an effective solution for pain relief is crucial for those experiencing it. This often leads to visiting pain management specialists who have tools at their disposal to help address chronic pain. For neck or back pain, an epidural steroid injection (ESI) may be recommended.

To help you decide if this is the best option for your chronic neck or back pain, it’s important to understand how the treatment is done, what to expect after an ESI, and how long it takes to work.

Advanced Spine and Pain specialists are available to answer any questions about epidural steroid injections. To learn more, call us at (480) 573-0130 or contact us online.

What is an Epidural Steroid Injection and How is it Done?

Back or neck pain can occur when nerve roots along the spinal column become inflamed or irritated, such as from a herniated or bulging disc. This pain is often described as burning or radiating, similar to the pain experienced with sciatica or spinal stenosis.

Epidural steroid injections are a non-surgical option for treating chronic neck or back pain caused by spinal nerve root inflammation. The procedure involves a trained healthcare provider, such as an interventional pain specialist, injecting a local anesthetic and steroid medication into the epidural space around the spinal cord to reduce inflammation and swelling.

Depending on the location of your pain, this may be a lumbar epidural steroid injection, cervical epidural steroid injection, or thoracic epidural steroid injection.

An infographic listing what to expect after an epidural steroid injection.

What to Expect After an Epidural Steroid Injection

If you have plans to receive an epidural steroid injection, you may be wondering what to expect afterward and how to prepare or care for yourself.

The outpatient procedure is simple, allowing you to go home after a short observation period. However, patients often have several questions after that observation period.

How long does it take for an epidural steroid injection to work?

An epidural steroid injection typically takes at least 2-3 days1 to begin taking effect. During this time, it is not unusual for chronic pain symptoms to worsen. In some cases, the injection may take up to a week to be fully effective for pain relief.

How long does an epidural steroid injection last?

Epidural steroid injections only create temporary pain relief, typically lasting weeks to months. In some cases, they may last as long as a year2. This can result in avoiding more invasive procedures for a more extended amount of time than was possible.

What are some common side effects of an epidural steroid injection?

Like any procedure, epidural steroid injections have a risk of some side effects. Some possible side effects include:

  • Temporary increase in pain
  • Increased blood sugar for a few hours or days if you are diabetic
  • Bruising and mild discomfort at the injection site
  • Increased blood pressure and/or eye pressure if you have a history of glaucoma

Other risks of the procedure include:

  • Low blood pressure
  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Severe headache
  • Nerve injury
  • Temporary loss of bowel control and/or bladder control
  • An allergic reaction to the medication used in the injection

Long-term, the steroids used in ESIs can affect bone strength in the spine, so the number of injections each year is limited to approximately two to four. Additionally, because the injections are performed using X-ray guidance, they should not be used for pregnant women. You should also let your doctor know if you are taking blood thinners.

Are there any restrictions after an epidural steroid injection?

Your doctor will give you instructions for care after your ESI.

After the procedure, it’s recommended to have someone drive you home. Once home, it’s recommended that you wait to resume normal activities. You will also need to rest and limit any heavy lifting and time sitting or standing for the first 12-24 hours.

Recovery After an Epidural Steroid Injection

Along with following your doctor’s instructions for rest, using cold compresses or an ice pack intermittently at the injection site can help reduce pain or discomfort. Remember that some temporarily increased pain is normal. However, if you don’t have any pain relief after a few days or have any of the symptoms described above, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Our providers at Advanced Spine and Pain can help you determine whether epidural steroid injection is the right pain management option for your chronic pain and what to expect after your procedure. Contact us online or call us today at (480) 573-0130 for expert advice from our team of pain specialists.

References:

  1. Epidural injections for back pain: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. (n.d.). Medlineplus.gov. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/007485.htm
  2. Patel, K., Chopra, P., & Upadhyayula, S. (2021). Epidural Steroid Injections. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470189/

About

Advanced Spine and Pain is a leading pain management group based in Phoenix, AZ, and quickly expanding throughout the state. Offering minimally-invasive pain care services, the ASAP group consists of Arizona's top pain management specialists, including Drs. Abram Burgher, Todd Turley, and Jarrett Leathem.

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