Pain Treatment Center of Maryland

Epidural Steroid injection

HOW WELL DOES IT WORK?

For some people, the shots provide short-term relief from pain, especially pain that runs down the leg. But relief doesn't last very long. In most cases, the shots only last about 3 months.But that may be enough time for your back/neck to heal so that pain doesn't return.

The shots may allow you to postpone or avoid surgery. But they may not improve how well you can do your daily activities over the long term.

If you don't have pain that spreads from your back down your leg, it's unlikely that epidural steroid shots will help at all. Epidural steroid shots are not recommended if you have general, or nonspecific, low back pain.

WHAT ARE THE RICKS OF EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION?

The most common problem is a severe headache that lasts for a few days. And your pain might get worse before it gets better.

Complications include infections or bleeding at the site of the injection.

Serious side effects from an epidural steroid injection are rare. But they can include stroke, paralysis, or loss of vision.

​

Epidural Injection Procedure article at Spine-Health

Epidural Injection Procedure video at Spine-Health

WHAT IS EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION?

If you've had back/neck pain for more than 6 weeks and your pain is very bad, your doctor might recommend a shot (injection) of corticosteroid, or steroid medicine, into your spinal canal. This is called an epidural injection.

Steroid medicines reduce inflammation and swelling. This can relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots. The medicine can't fix your back, but it may give you short-term relief from back and leg pain.

The medicine may be given as 1 shot or a series of up to 3 shots about a month apart. More than 3 shots in the same spot within 12 months isn't recommended.