TL;DR Quick answer
An injection into the epidural space to reduce nerve inflammation causing arm or leg pain. It is commonly used for chronic back pain, sciatica and herniated disc. The procedure takes about 15–30 minutes and is day care. Suitability is decided after a specialist assessment.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala — Consultant Pain Physician View full profile →
About Epidural Steroid Injection
An epidural steroid injection delivers a corticosteroid and local anaesthetic into the epidural space around the spinal nerves. It is mainly used for radiating pain such as sciatica.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Duration | 15–30 minutes |
| Anaesthesia | Local |
| Guidance | X-ray (fluoroscopy) |
| Hospital stay | Day care, home the same day |
| Effect | Usually within 2–14 days |
| Commonly used for | Chronic Back Pain, Sciatica, Herniated Disc |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Benefits
- No surgical incision
- Day-care procedure: home the same day
- Precise, image-guided placement
- Can be combined with rehabilitation
Before the procedure
Tell the clinic if you take blood thinners, have diabetes, have an infection or could be pregnant. You may be asked to arrange someone to take you home.
During the procedure
You lie on your front. The skin is numbed and a fine needle is guided under X-ray to the epidural space, where the medicine is injected. The procedure usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.
After the procedure
You rest briefly before going home. Some people notice relief within days; the steroid can take up to two weeks to work. Avoid strenuous activity for 24 hours.
Risks and safety
Possible effects include temporary pain at the injection site, a short-term rise in blood sugar in people with diabetes, facial flushing and, rarely, headache, infection, bleeding or nerve injury. The doctor discusses risks before consent.
Myths and facts
Myth Injections near the spine or nerves are very painful.
Fact The skin is numbed first. Most people feel pressure and brief discomfort.
Myth One injection fixes the problem for good.
Fact The effect varies. Some people need a repeat procedure, and most benefit from exercise and follow-up as well.
| Condition | What it is | Typical symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Chronic Back Pain | Back pain that lasts longer than three months, often affecting sleep, work and movement. | A constant dull ache or episodes of sharp pain; stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting |
| Sciatica | Pain that travels from the lower back down the leg along the path of the sciatic nerve. | Shooting or burning pain down one leg, often below the knee; numbness, tingling or pins and needles |
| Herniated Disc | A disc bulge or herniation pressing on a nerve, causing back or neck pain that spreads to a limb. | Back or neck pain; pain spreading into the leg or arm |
Patient guides
Questions patients ask
How long does an epidural injection last?
Relief varies from weeks to months, depending on the cause and the individual.
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
