Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

What to expect after lumbar epidural steroid injection is something many patients want to know. Recovering from this procedure is a big step towards feeling better. At Liv Hospital, we know how important it is to understand the recovery process. Right after the procedure, you might feel numb or heavy in your legs — this usually goes away within a few hours.

As you go through the recovery, knowing what to expect after lumbar epidural steroid injection helps you get back to your daily life smoothly and effectively.

Many patients wonder when they’ll start feeling pain relief and how long it will last. Health experts explain that it might take a few days for the steroids to start working. Relief can last for several days, months, or even longer. Understanding what to expect after lumbar epidural steroid injection helps manage your expectations and supports a smoother recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Patients may experience numbness or heaviness in the legs immediately after the injection.
• Pain relief can take a few days to begin and may last several months.
• Normal diet can be resumed immediately, but strenuous activities should be avoided.
• Specific instructions from the doctor are required for restarting or taking medicines.
• Applying ice or a cold pack can help with soreness at the injection site.

Understanding Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

Lumbar epidural steroid injections are becoming more common for back pain. They help people with chronic pain that hasn’t gotten better with other treatments.

What is a Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection?

This injection puts a mix of corticosteroid and local anesthetic near the spinal cord in the lower back. The corticosteroid reduces swelling, and the anesthetic eases pain right away. It’s meant to help with pain from inflamed spinal nerves.

Common Conditions Treated with ESI

These injections are often used for herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and sciatica. These issues can cause pain, numbness, and weakness in the lower back and legs. This happens because of nerve compression or irritation.

• Herniated discs: Happen when the soft inner gel of the disc leaks out, irritating nearby nerves.
• Spinal stenosis: This is when the spinal canal narrows, putting pressure on the spinal cord and nerves.
• Sciatica: Pain that goes from the lower back down to the legs along the sciatic nerve.

How the Procedure is Performed

The procedure is done under fluoroscopic guidance for precise placement. The patient lies on their stomach. The skin is cleaned and numbed, then a needle is inserted into the epidural space.

The corticosteroid and anesthetic mix is then given, and the needle is taken out. It usually takes 15 to 30 minutes.

Knowing about lumbar epidural steroid injections helps patients understand their benefits. It’s a quick and effective way to relieve back pain for many people.

Preparing for Your Recovery Journey

Getting ready for recovery after a lumbar epidural steroid injection is important. It helps a lot in healing well. Being prepared can really help manage your condition better.

Items to Have Ready at Home

Before the procedure, make sure you have some things at home. This will help you feel more comfortable while you recover. Here are some things you should have:

• Comfortable clothing: Wear loose, comfy clothes. This makes moving easier and feels better.
• Pain management medications: Keep over-the-counter pain relievers as your doctor suggests. They can help with pain.
• Ice packs or cold compresses: Ice can reduce swelling and pain at the injection site.
• Entertainment and distractions: Books, tablets, or games can keep you busy while resting.

Transportation Arrangements

Make sure someone can drive you home after the procedure. You might feel sleepy or have numbness in your legs. It’s a good idea to have a friend or family member with you. They should stay for a few hours after the procedure.

Pre-Recovery Checklist

Here’s a checklist to help you prepare:

1. Confirm your transportation: Make sure you have a ride home set up.
2. Prepare your home: Clean, declutter, and cook meals ahead of time. This saves energy during recovery.
3. Gather necessary supplies: Have comfy clothes and pain meds ready.
4. Plan for rest: Take the day off and avoid hard activities.

By following these steps, you can make your recovery after a lumbar epidural steroid injection better.

Key Expectation #1: Immediate Post-Procedure Sensations

After getting an epidural steroid injection, you might feel some immediate effects. These feelings come from how your body reacts to the injection. They can be different for everyone.

Temporary Numbness and Heaviness in Legs

One common feeling right after the injection is numbness or heaviness in your legs. This is because of the local anesthetic used. The numbness usually goes away in a few hours as the anesthetic fades.

Injection Site Discomfort

Another feeling you might have is mild soreness or discomfort at the injection site. This is usually mild and goes away in a day or two. You can try using ice on the area and taking over-the-counter pain relievers to help.

Initial Monitoring Period

After the procedure, you’ll be watched for a short time to see if there are any bad reactions. This watchful period is key to making sure you’re safe and handling any issues that might come up.

Knowing about these immediate feelings can help you get ready for your recovery. It’s important to follow the instructions from your healthcare provider closely. This will help you recover smoothly and safely.

Key Expectation #2: The First 24 Hours After Your Injection

Knowing what to expect in the first 24 hours after your injection is key to a smooth recovery. Your body starts responding to the epidural steroid injection right away. Taking good care of yourself during this time can make the treatment work better.

Managing Initial Discomfort

Right after the injection, you might feel some discomfort. There are easy ways to handle it. Using ice packs on the spot can help with the soreness. Also, it’s best to rest and not do too much.

Keep an eye on your pain and change how you manage it if needed. If your pain gets worse or doesn’t get better with rest, reach out to your doctor for advice.

Activity Restrictions

For the first 24 hours, it’s important to stick to certain activity rules. Don’t bend, twist, or lift heavy things. These actions can stress your spine too much.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Some pain is normal after the injection, but serious symptoms need quick doctor attention. If you have a bad headache, numb legs, or a fever, call your doctor right away.

Knowing about these possible problems and when to get help can really help your recovery. We’re here to support you every step of the way, making sure you get the care you need.

Key Expectation #3: What to Expect After Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain Pain Relief Timeline

After getting a lumbar epidural steroid injection, people often wonder when they’ll feel better. The relief timeline has different stages. This helps patients know what to expect during their recovery.

Initial Pain Fluctuations

Right after the procedure, pain levels might change. This is because of the steroid and numbing meds. Some might feel more pain or discomfort at the injection site. Others might feel a little better. These changes usually don’t last long and go away as the steroid starts working.

When the Steroids Begin Working (2-7 Days)

Usually, 2 to 7 days after the shot, the steroid starts to work. It reduces swelling and eases nerve pain. Many people start feeling better during this time. The steroid helps by lessening the swelling and irritation around the spinal nerves, which helps with the pain.

Maximum Benefit Period (Up to 14 Days)

The best results from the epidural steroid injection usually come within up to 14 days. This is when the steroid’s full effect is seen, giving a lot of pain relief. It’s important to be patient and let the medication do its job.

Knowing the pain relief timeline after a lumbar epidural steroid injection helps patients plan better. It lets them understand their recovery journey better.

Key Expectation #4: Duration of Pain Relief Effects

Understanding how long pain relief lasts after a lumbar epidural steroid injection is key. This knowledge greatly affects a patient’s life and treatment plan. We will look at how long relief usually lasts, what can affect it, and when relief starts to fade.

Typical Length of Effectiveness (Weeks to Months)

The time pain relief lasts after an epidural steroid injection varies. It can range from a few weeks to several months. Some people may feel relief for 6 months or more, while others might need more treatments.

Factors Affecting Duration of Relief

Many things can change how long pain relief lasts. These include:

• The underlying condition being treated
• The severity of the condition
• The patient’s overall health and lifestyle
• The specific steroid used in the injection
• The accuracy of the injection placement

Knowing these factors helps tailor treatment plans to each patient’s needs.

Signs That Effects Are Wearing Off

When the effects of the epidural steroid injection start to fade, symptoms may return. This can include increased pain, stiffness, or limited mobility. It’s important for patients to watch their symptoms and tell their healthcare provider about any changes. This way, the treatment plan can be adjusted to keep managing pain and discomfort.

Key Expectation #5: Success Rates and Effectiveness

Patients looking into lumbar epidural steroid injections want to know about success rates and benefits. It’s important to understand how well this treatment works. This helps in making informed decisions about your care.

Statistical Outcomes for Pain Reduction

More than 50 percent of patients see a meaningful drop in pain after these injections. A study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine found that 50% to 90% of patients find relief. This can greatly improve a patient’s quality of life.

Improvement in Daily Activities

One big plus of successful injections is better daily activities. As pain goes down, patients can do more. They can even start activities that were hard or impossible before.

“The pain and inflammation drop, and patients can move better,” says a top pain management expert. This means people can get back to work, exercise, and social events.

Role in Delaying or Preventing Surgery

Lumbar epidural steroid injections can also help avoid surgery. They manage pain and reduce swelling. This can mean no need for more serious surgery.

For many, this means skipping surgery’s risks and recovery time. Our goal is to use the least invasive treatments first.

In summary, knowing how well lumbar epidural steroid injections work is key. They offer real pain relief, help with daily tasks, and might even prevent surgery. These injections are a valuable option for those with spinal issues.

Key Expectation #6: Physical Recovery Timeline

Recovering from a lumbar epidural steroid injection needs a clear plan. We’ll help you know what to expect. This includes returning to light activities and exercise tips.

Returning to Light Activities (1-3 Days)

You can start with light activities within 1-3 days after the shot. But, stay away from hard exercise for at least 24 hours. You can do simple tasks like:

• Light housekeeping
• Short walks
• Gentle stretching

Remember, listen to your body and don’t push too hard at first.

Gradual Return to Normal Routine

As you get better, you can slowly get back to your usual life. This usually happens within a week after the injection. But, how fast you recover depends on your health and the issue being treated.

Here’s what to do during this time:

1. Watch how your body reacts to more activity
2. Avoid heavy lifting or bending
3. Follow your doctor’s advice closely

Exercise Recommendations During Recovery

Exercise is key in getting better. At first, avoid hard workouts. But, gentle exercises are good. These might include:

• Pelvic tilts
• Gentle yoga
• Short walks

Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise plan during recovery.

Key Expectation #7: Potential Side Effects to Monitor

It’s important to know about the side effects of epidural steroid injections for a safe recovery. These injections are usually safe but can cause some temporary side effects.

Common Minor Side Effects

Most people have minor side effects that go away in a few days. These can include:

• Headache
• Nausea
• Increased pain at the injection site
• Facial flushing
• Insomnia
• Increased blood sugar levels, which can be a problem for diabetics

These side effects are usually mild and can be managed with care. For example, research shows that these side effects are rare and often get better on their own.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious complications can happen. It’s important to know about these risks, including:

• Infection at the injection site
• Nerve damage
• Allergic reactions to the steroid or anesthetic
• Bleeding complications, which can be a problem for those on blood thinners

When to Seek Medical Attention

It’s key to know when to get help. Call your doctor right away if you have:

• Severe headache or back pain
• Fever or chills
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the legs
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site

Getting medical help quickly can stop minor issues from becoming serious problems.

Follow-Up Care and Long-Term Management

Recovering from a lumbar epidural steroid injection is just the start. Understanding the importance of follow-up care is key to long-term success. The journey to recovery is ongoing, not just after the procedure.

Importance of Post-Procedure Evaluations

Post-procedure evaluations are vital for your recovery. They let your healthcare provider check if the injection worked and how you’re doing. We usually schedule follow-ups a few weeks after to see how you’re progressing and adjust your treatment if needed.

At these check-ups, your doctor will look at your pain levels and watch for any side effects. They’ll also decide what to do next in your care. This might include more treatments or therapies to help the injection work better.

Complementary Treatments

Depending on how you’re doing and your pain levels, your doctor might suggest other treatments. These could be more injections, physical therapy, or other therapies based on your needs.

We create a treatment plan just for you. This plan combines the injection with other therapies to give you better and lasting relief.

Physical Therapy and Lifestyle Modifications

Physical therapy is a big part of getting better. It helps improve your mobility, strengthens your muscles, and keeps your spine healthy. We often suggest a physical therapy program made just for you to help your recovery.

Changing your lifestyle can also help a lot. This might mean exercising regularly, staying at a healthy weight, and using good posture. These changes can help keep the benefits of your treatment going and improve your life overall.

By focusing on follow-up care and long-term management, we aim to get the best results for you. Our goal is to support and guide you every step of the way in your recovery.

Conclusion

Knowing how to recover after a lumbar epidural steroid injection is key. It helps patients get through their healing journey better. We’ve talked about what to expect, from right after the procedure to how long the pain relief lasts.

The time it takes to recover can differ for everyone. But knowing what to expect can make a big difference. Many people start feeling better within days. It’s also important to watch out for side effects and follow up with your doctor.

Being ready and knowing what to expect can help patients recover better. We suggest talking to your doctor about any worries or questions. This way, you can have a smooth and successful recovery from your lumbar epidural steroid injection.

FAQ

References

1. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Epidural steroid injection. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/epidural-steroid-injection/about/pac-20393924
2. Johns Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Epidural steroid injection. Johns Hopkins University. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/epidural-steroid-injection