Epidural Steroid Injections: What Can I Expect?

Epidural Steroid Injections: What Can I Expect?

This content was medically reviewed by Baher S. Yanni, MD, on February 5th, 2016.

At the Spine INA, we know that your back can have many different problems. Back pain can have a debilitating affect on your quality of life. That is why we offer sciatica treatment and more. One great way to address chronic pain non-invasively is with epidural steroid injections. In our last blog, we offered insights on what a typical appointment is like. We have some more for you in this blog!

What Should I Expect After My ESI?

• If a local anesthetic was injected with the steroid, you will feel less pain for 1-2 hours after the injection.
• The pain will return when the anesthetic wears off, but over the next three to five days, you will experience relief and be able to make improvements that will hopefully heal the problem.
• Once you get home, you should relax and rest. You can apply ice to the injection if it is painful.
• Keep in mind that you likely will not be able to return to work the next day.

What are Possible Side Effects?

• Common side effects include rash, sweating, nausea, and facial flushing. All these side effects are temporary.
• If your pain gets worse the first two days after your injection, don’t worry. This is a side effect that some patients experience, and it is also temporary.

Will the Treatment Permanently Help my Pain?

• Studies have shown that ESIs relieve pain for about half of the patients that receive them. How thoroughly and for how long your relief lasts is determined by many different factors that you can discuss with our specialists.

The Spine INA is proud to be the world-class answer to back pain. Contact us in East Windsor to make an appointment today!