Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Epidural steroid injections for a herniated or “slipped” disc can relieve leg pain short term; most programs limit to about 3 injections per region per year, spaced 2–3 months apart, and avoid further repeats if 1–2 shots don’t help, balancing benefits with risks like blood sugar spikes, bone loss, and rare neurologic or infectious events; at Liv Hospital, a “cortisone injection slipped disc” is used to enable rehab, not as an indefinite solution.

Key Takeaways

• Epidural steroid injections are used for short-term pain relief.
• Frequency of injections should be limited to avoid risks.
• Our medical team follows a conservative approach to steroid use.
• Patients receive personalized guidance on treatment options.
• Understanding the benefits and risks is key for making informed choices.

Types of Epidural Steroid Injections for Disc Problems

Disc issues can be treated with different epidural steroid injections. Each type has its own way of helping. These injections are a common choice for those with disc problems. We’ll look at the various types and how well they work.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Transforaminal injections put steroids into the spinal nerve foramina. This targets the nerve root causing pain. It’s good for those with disc herniation. 

Interlaminar Epidural Injections

Interlaminar injections put steroids between the vertebrae’s laminae. It’s great for central disc herniations. It can give a lot of pain relief.

Caudal Epidural Injections

Caudal injections go through the sacral hiatus into the epidural space. It’s good for lower back pain. It works well for caudal disc herniations.

Differences in Approach and Effectiveness

Each injection has its own benefits. The right one depends on the condition and where the herniation is. Doctors choose based on the patient’s needs.

Knowing the differences helps patients choose the right treatment. Talking to a doctor can help find the best injection for each person’s needs.

Recommended Frequency Guidelines for Epidural Injections

Knowing how often you can get epidural steroid injections is key to managing back pain. These guidelines come from medical studies and expert advice.

Standard Medical Guidelines for Injection Frequency

Most doctors say you should not get more than three or four epidural steroid injections a year. This rule helps balance the good effects of pain relief with the risks of too many injections.

Getting 3-4 injections a year is recommended to avoid side effects and get the most benefit. But, this rule can change based on your health and the problem being treated.

Why Limiting Injections to 3-4 Per Year Is Important

Limiting epidural steroid injections is key to avoid complications. Too many injections can cause serious side effects like adrenal suppression, osteoporosis, and cataract formation.

Intervals Between Injections: What Research Shows

Studies say the gap between injections should be weeks to months. The exact time depends on how well you respond to the treatment and how bad your symptoms are.

Research suggests waiting at least 2-3 weeks between injections. This helps see if the treatment works and reduces side effects. But, the best time can differ for each person.

Variations in Guidelines Across Medical Institutions

Even though there are general rules for epidural steroid injections, different places and experts might have their own. These differences come from different views, patient groups, and new findings.

It’s important for patients to talk to their doctor about their specific situation. This way, they can make the best choice for their treatment.

Factors That Influence Injection Frequency Decisions

Deciding how often to get epidural steroid injections depends on many things. Doctors look at different factors to make sure the treatment fits each patient’s needs.

Severity of Disc Herniation

The severity of disc herniation is key in deciding how often to get injections. Those with severe herniations might need injections more often. The size and where the herniation is, and how much it presses on nerves, matter a lot.

Patient Response to Previous Injections

How well a patient has done with past injections is also important. If a patient has felt a lot of relief, they might get injections more often. But if they haven’t seen much improvement, doctors might look at other ways to help.

• Positive Response: Shows the injections might keep working well.
• Limited Response: Might mean trying something else or changing treatment plans.

Presence of Other Medical Conditions

Other health issues can also affect how often injections are given. Things like diabetes, osteoporosis, or past steroid use can change how the body reacts. Doctors must think about these to keep treatment safe and effective.

1. Diabetes: Steroid shots can change blood sugar levels.
2. Osteoporosis: Long-term steroid use can weaken bones.
3. Previous Steroid Use: Past use can affect how often injections are needed.

Age and Overall Health Considerations

A patient’s age and health also play a part. Older patients or those with health issues might need more careful planning. Doctors look at these factors to create a treatment plan that’s right for each person.

Understanding these factors helps patients see why deciding on injection frequency is complex. This knowledge helps them make better choices about their care.

Efficacy Rates: What to Expect from Cortisone Injections

Epidural steroid injections are a common treatment for disc pain. But, their success rates are not always clear-cut. It’s important to know what affects their success.

Success Rates for Pain Relief

Studies show that these injections help 50 to 84 percent of patients feel better for a while. This range varies because of different conditions and how each person reacts. For example, a study in the Journal of Neurosurgery: Spine found that people with lumbar disc herniation often get relief from pain.

Here’s a table showing how different studies found the injections’ success rates:

Factors That Predict Better Outcomes

Several things can help predict if cortisone injections will work well. These include how bad the disc herniation is, how well someone has reacted to injections before, and if they have other health issues. A spine expert says, “Choosing the right patients for these injections is key to success.”

“The key to successful treatment lies in understanding the individual patient’s condition and tailoring the treatment according.” – Spine Specialist

Duration of Benefits

How long the benefits of these injections last can vary a lot. Some people might feel better for months, while others might not last as long. A study in the Spine Journal found that most people got relief for about 3 to 6 months.

Diminishing Returns with Repeated Injections

Some people might not get as much relief from repeated injections. This could be because their body gets used to the steroid or their condition gets worse. It’s important for patients to talk to their doctors about the risks and benefits of getting more injections.

We suggest that patients work closely with their doctors to find the best treatment plan. This plan should consider how severe their condition is and how they’ve reacted to treatments before. Knowing how well cortisone injections work can help patients make better choices about their care.

Potential Risks of Multiple Steroid Injections

Thinking about cortisone shots for a slipped disc? It’s key to know the risks of getting many steroid injections. Even though these shots are usually safe, getting them too often can cause problems.

Short-term Side Effects

Right after getting a steroid shot, you might feel more pain, swelling, and redness where it was injected. Some people might see their symptoms get worse for a bit. Rarely, serious issues like allergic reactions or infections can happen.

Long-term Risks of Multiple Cortisone Injections

Getting many steroid shots can weaken the tissues around the injection site. This includes muscles, tendons, and bones. It can make them more likely to break or tear. Also, using corticosteroids for a long time can mess with your body’s steroid production, leading to adrenal insufficiency.

Cartilage and Bone Damage Concerns

One big worry is the damage to cartilage and bones. Steroid shots can make bones more likely to break. They can also cause cartilage to wear down, speeding up osteoarthritis.

Infection and Nerve Injury Risks

Even though it’s rare, there’s a chance of infection and nerve injury from steroid shots. Infection can happen if the area isn’t cleaned well enough. Nerve injury can occur if the shot is not placed correctly. This shows why it’s vital to have these shots done by skilled doctors.

The Injection Procedure: What Patients Should Expect

Before getting an epidural steroid injection, knowing what to expect is key. This knowledge helps ease worries and makes the experience smoother.

Pre-procedure Preparation

Getting ready for an epidural steroid injection is important. Patients should tell their doctor about any medicines they take, like blood thinners. It’s also important to share any allergies, like to contrast dyes or steroids.

• Stop taking blood thinners as advised by your doctor.
• Arrive at the clinic with a friend or family member who can drive you home.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

During the Injection: Step-by-Step

The injection is done under fluoroscopy for accuracy. Here’s what happens:

1. The patient is positioned on their stomach or side, depending on the approach.
2. The skin is cleaned and prepped with an antiseptic solution.
3. A local anesthetic is administered to numb the area.
4. The needle is carefully guided into the epidural space using fluoroscopy.
5. Once the needle is in place, a contrast dye may be injected to confirm the correct positioning.
6. The steroid medication is then administered.

Post-injection Care and Monitoring

After the procedure, patients are watched for a short time. It’s normal to feel a temporary change in pain. They are given care instructions, including:

When to Report Complications

While complications are rare, knowing when to seek help is important. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice:

• Increasing pain or numbness.
• Fever or signs of infection.
• Weakness or loss of bladder/bowel control.

Understanding the epidural steroid injection procedure helps patients prepare better. It also prepares them for what to expect afterward.

Patient Experiences and Case Studies

Patient experiences with cortisone injections vary a lot. Some see big improvements, while others face challenges. Looking at real-life stories and testimonials helps us understand how well the treatment works and what affects the results.

Success Stories with Limited Injections

Many patients feel a lot of pain relief after just a few injections. For example, someone with a bad disc herniation might feel much better after one or two shots. This lets them go back to their normal life without surgery.

These stories show how important it is to get treatment early. Cortisone injections can help by easing the pressure on nerves. This can help patients recover faster.

Challenges with Repeated Treatments

While some people get better with more injections, others might not see as much improvement. They might also face side effects that make treatment harder. This shows we need to think carefully and tailor treatment plans for each person.

Things like how bad the disc herniation is, other health issues, and overall health can affect how well injections work. Doctors need to consider these things when deciding on treatment.

Long-term Outcomes from Patient Perspectives

How well people do after injections can vary a lot. Some stay pain-free for a long time, while others need to keep managing their pain.

Patients often say that a good treatment plan is key. This includes injections, physical therapy, changes in lifestyle, and other treatments that fit the person’s needs.

What to Consider Before Your First Injection

Before your first injection, talk to your doctor about your medical history, what you hope to achieve, and any worries you have. Knowing the good and bad sides, as well as other options, helps you make a smart choice.

It’s also important to know what you can expect and what makes treatment a success. By setting clear goals and working with your healthcare team, you can increase your chances of a good outcome.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Spinal Injections

Cortisone injections for slipped discs can help manage pain and inflammation. Understanding the types of injections, their success rates, risks, and patient experiences is key. This knowledge helps us make smart choices about our care.

It’s important to consider the benefits and risks of spinal injections. We’ve looked at how often injections are recommended and the factors that decide this. We’ve also talked about the risks of getting multiple steroid injections.

With this information, patients can choose the best treatment for themselves. We suggest talking to your healthcare provider about your needs and worries. This way, you can make a decision that’s right for you. Understanding all your options is essential for making informed decisions about spinal injections.

FAQ

References

1. Friedly, J. L., Comstock, B. A., Heagerty, P. J., Bauer, Z., Rothman, M. S., Suri, P., & Jarvik, J. G. (2020). Long-term effects of repeated injections of local anesthetic with or without corticosteroid for lumbar spinal stenosis. The Spine Journal, *20*(2), 203-213. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31521751/