Epidural Steroid Injections Part 2

After the injection at home?

At home, it is highly recommended that one rest for 24 hours. If the procedure was done without any hassles, most individuals can return to their life style or even go to work. The injection site in the back is not painful, but some individuals may feel an odd ache for a few days. These individuals can take an over the counter pain pill or apply an ice pack. The corticosteroid does not work immediately and takes at least 2-4 days to work. The maximum pain relief occurs after 7-10 days.

What are Risks of epidural injections?

While the procedure is generally safe, complications are not unheard off. Some patients develop more pain, bleeding, severe headaches, infection, and even allergic problems to the drug.

In some cases, the headache can be persistent and can last several weeks and may require another injection (blood patch) to cure the headache.

Finally, the injection may not work at all for the back pain. If there is no pain relief within 2 weeks, it is unlikely to work at all. At this point, it is better not to attempt a second injection because it simply won’t work. If the physician insists, ask him/her to pay for the injection (see costs below).

How often can the injections be given?

Epidural injections are only given 2-3 times a year. The reason is that the corticosteroids can have profound complications that include:

- Thinning of skin
- Weakening of bone
- Weakness of muscles
- Stop the body from producing its own steroids

Does everyone get relief from pain after the injections?

Epidural injections with corticosteroids do not work in all individuals. Even the same individual responded to the first injection, there is no guarantee that future injections may help.

The pain relief is temporary and not a cure for the problem

Do Epidural Steroid Injections help?

In general the answer is NO. the rare patient who has pain radiating to the back of his legs may feel a little better. The other group of individuals who may respond are those with recent acute back pain. Other than this two groups, epidural steroidal injections are all about throwing away your hard earned money to unscrupulous physicians.