How long do epidural injections last?

How long do epidural injections last?

Epidural injection tends to provide temporary relief from pain, and the effects could last from one week up to one year. It is especially beneficial for a patient suffering from acute back and/or leg pain. It often provides sufficient pain relief to allow for rehabilitative stretching exercises.

What is an epidural shot used for?

Epidural steroid injections are commonly used to treat back pain caused by a herniated disc (slipped disc), lumbar radiculopathy, spinal stenosis or sciatica.

What are the side effects of epidural steroid injections?

What are the risks of an epidural steroid injection?

  • “Steroid flush,” or flushing of the face and chest, with warmth and an increase in temperature for several days.
  • Sleeping problems.
  • Anxiety.
  • Menstrual changes.
  • Water retention.
  • In rare instances, pain that actually increases for several days after the procedure.

How painful is an epidural steroid injection?

How painful is a lumbar epidural steroid injection? Everyone responds to the procedure differently. In general, a lumbar epidural steroid injection can be a bit uncomfortable, but it shouldn’t be painful. You can ask your doctor for a mild sedative to relax you before the procedure.

How do you prepare for an epidural injection?

How to prepare for epidural steroid injections. On the day of your injection, you should not have anything to eat or drink for at least eight (8) hours before your scheduled procedure. If you are scheduled to receive sedation during the procedure, you must have someone available to drive you home.

What is next if epidural injection doesn’t work?

An alternative to ESIs, or an option to consider if injections are no longer providing relief, is the mild® Procedure. mild® stands for minimally invasive lumbar decompression. It’s a short outpatient procedure that relieves pressure on the spine through an incision smaller than the size of a baby aspirin (5.1 mm).