Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

At Liv Hospital, we know that getting an epidural steroid injection is a big step for pain relief. The recovery process is usually quick. This lets patients get back to their daily life in just a few days.

Most people are told to rest for 24 hours after the shot. Then, they can start doing light activities. Our experience shows that the recovery time varies. But, most patients can get back to normal in 1-7 days.

Knowing the recovery timeline helps manage your expectations. We help you understand what to expect after this common treatment. This way, you can confidently plan your return to daily life.

Key Takeaways

• Rest for 24 hours after the epidural steroid injection.
• Gradually resume light activities after the initial rest period.
• Most patients return to normal activities within 1-7 days.
• Understanding the recovery timeline is key for a smooth recovery.
• Our team at Liv Hospital guides you through the recovery process.

Understanding Epidural Steroid Injections

It’s important to know about epidural steroid injections if you’re thinking about them. We’ll look into what this treatment does, what it treats, and how it’s done.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection?

An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure. It involves putting a steroid medication near the spinal cord. This helps lessen inflammation and pain from spinal issues.

The epidural space is filled with fat and is around the spinal cord. By putting steroids there, we can better target pain sources.

Common Conditions Treated with Epidural Injections

Epidural steroid injections help with several spinal problems, including:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Sciatica
• Degenerative disc disease

These issues can cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the back, legs, or arms. This happens because of inflammation or nerve compression.

How the Procedure Is Performed

The epidural steroid injection is usually done in an outpatient setting. Here’s what happens:

1. The patient lies on their stomach or side, depending on the doctor’s choice.
2. The skin is cleaned and a local anesthetic is given to numb it.
3. With fluoroscopic guidance, the doctor puts a needle into the epidural space.
4. A contrast dye might be used to make sure the needle is in the right place.
5. The steroid and local anesthetic are then injected into the epidural space.
6. The needle is taken out, and the patient is watched for a bit before leaving.

This whole process usually takes 15 to 30 minutes. But getting ready and recovering can take longer.

Immediate Post-Procedure Care

Knowing how to care for yourself after an epidural steroid injection is key. After the shot, you’ll be watched for a bit.

First Few Hours After the Injection

Right after the shot, rest and don’t do too much. Patients are usually monitored for 15-30 minutes post-procedure to watch for any bad reactions.

• Rest at home with someone to supervise
• Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery
• Be aware of possible side effects like numbness or weakness

Transportation and Supervision Requirements

Because of the shot’s effects, patients should arrange for someone to drive them home. It’s also good to have someone stay for a few hours to help if needed.

Initial Activity Restrictions

For at least 24 hours, avoid hard work like heavy lifting, bending, or exercise. Gradually resuming normal activities as you feel better is best.

1. Limit activities to gentle movements and rest
2. Avoid heavy lifting or bending
3. Resume normal activities gradually

The First 24 Hours: Critical Recovery Period

We suggest patients rest and manage their care well in the first 24 hours after an epidural steroid injection. This time is key for a good recovery and starts the healing process.

Rest Requirements

Rest is very important in the first 24 hours. Patients should rest for at least 24 hours and avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting. These actions can make the condition worse and slow down recovery. It’s important to make a comfortable space that encourages relaxation and avoids hard activities.

Managing Injection Site Discomfort

It’s normal to feel some discomfort at the injection site. To help, patients can use ice packs to reduce swelling and ease pain. But, it’s important to follow your healthcare provider’s advice on using ice or heat therapy.

Hydration and Medication Guidelines

Drinking enough water is key during recovery. Patients should drink lots of water to help flush out the steroid and other medications. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s advice on pain relief medications and any other medication restrictions.

By focusing on rest, managing discomfort, and following hydration and medication guidelines, patients can get through the first 24 hours well. This careful approach is important for the success of the epidural steroid injection treatment.

Epidural Injection Recovery Time: What to Expect

Recovering from an epidural steroid injection involves several factors. These can affect how long it takes and how well it works. Understanding the typical recovery time, what can influence it, and when you’ll feel pain relief is key.

Typical Timeline for Recovery

The recovery time after an epidural steroid injection varies. Most people feel better in 3-7 days. It’s important to follow your doctor’s post-procedure care to recover smoothly.

Right after the procedure, you might be watched for any bad reactions. Once you’re home, you can start doing your daily things again, but with some limits.

Factors Affecting Recovery Duration

Several things can change how long it takes to recover from an epidural steroid injection. These include:

• The condition being treated
• Your overall health
• Following your doctor’s care instructions
• Any complications or side effects

Knowing these factors can help you prepare and recover better.

When to Expect Pain Relief

People often ask when they’ll feel pain relief after an epidural steroid injection. While results vary, most notice improvement in a few days to a week. The steroid medication takes time to work, leading to gradual pain relief.

Being patient and following your doctor’s advice is important for the best results from your epidural steroid injection.

How Long Should You Rest After Epidural Steroid Injection?

After getting an epidural steroid injection, knowing how long to rest is key. This time lets your body heal and respond to the treatment.

Resting after an epidural is more than just avoiding hard work. It’s about letting your body get the most from the treatment. It’s important to understand this rest period to get the best results.

Medical Recommendations for Rest

Doctors usually tell patients to rest for at least 24 hours after an epidural steroid injection. This first rest is important to avoid side effects and let the steroid work.

During this time, avoid heavy lifting, bending, or hard work. Follow the specific advice from your healthcare provider. This advice can change based on your health and the procedure.

Gradual Return to Activities

After 24 hours, you can start going back to your usual activities slowly. But do it carefully to avoid making things worse or getting hurt.

Here’s how to start going back to activities:

• Start with short walks and increase the distance slowly
• Do light household chores
• Start stretching exercises as your healthcare provider suggests

Signs You Need More Rest

Listen to your body during recovery. If you feel more pain, numbness, or other bad symptoms, you might need more rest.

Here are signs you might need to rest longer:

• Persistent or getting worse pain
• Numbness or tingling that doesn’t go away
• Signs of infection, like fever or redness at the injection site

Understanding the need for rest and slowly getting back to activities helps with recovery after an epidural steroid injection. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice for the best results.

Physical Activity Guidelines During Recovery

Managing physical activity after an epidural steroid injection is key to a good recovery. It’s important to balance rest with gentle activity. This helps your body heal smoothly and effectively.

How Long After an Epidural Can You Walk?

Most patients can start walking a few hours after the injection. But, always listen to your doctor’s advice. Walking helps prevent blood clots and keeps blood flowing. Just walk at a pace that feels right for you.

Resuming Daily Activities

Starting to do daily things again should be slow over a few days. Here’s what to do:

• Begin with easy tasks like reading, watching TV, or short walks.
• Stay away from heavy lifting, bending, or hard work for 24 to 48 hours.
• Slowly add more activities as you feel better and your pain lessens.

When to Return to Work

When you can go back to work depends on your job and how you’re feeling. If your job is very physical, you might need to wait longer. Talk to your doctor about when you can go back to work. They’ll make sure you’re not pushing too hard.

By following these tips, you can recover safely and well from your epidural steroid injection. Always check with your doctor for advice that fits your situation.

Managing Back Pain After an Epidural

Back pain after an epidural steroid injection can be a worry, but there are ways to handle it. The injection aims to cut down inflammation and ease pain. Yet, some people might feel temporary discomfort at the injection site or nearby.

Normal Post-Procedure Discomfort

It’s common for patients to feel some discomfort after an epidural steroid injection. This could be from the needle or the medicine. The good news is that this discomfort is usually temporary and manageable.

• Mild soreness at the injection site
• Temporary numbness or tingling
• Muscle weakness or stiffness

How Long Does Back Pain Last After an Epidural?

The time back pain lasts after an epidural steroid injection varies. Usually, any pain from the procedure goes away in a few days. Sometimes, it might take up to a week for all discomfort to fade.

Pain Management Techniques

There are several ways to manage back pain after an epidural steroid injection. These include:

1. Applying Ice or Heat: Ice packs can reduce inflammation, while heat relaxes muscles.
2. Over-the-counter Pain Relievers: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help with pain.
3. Gentle Stretching: Gentle exercises keep flexibility and reduce stiffness.
4. Rest: Getting enough rest is key for recovery.

By using these methods, patients can manage back pain after an epidural steroid injection. This helps support their recovery.

Recovery from Epidural Steroid Injection: Week by Week

Recovering from an epidural steroid injection takes time. It’s a journey with different stages. We’ll guide you through the first week, second week, and beyond.

First Week Recovery Milestones

The first week is key for a good recovery. Rest and avoid hard activities during this time. You might feel some pain at the injection site. Use over-the-counter pain meds and drink plenty of water as advised by your doctor.

In the first few days, you might feel more pain. But, this usually gets better as the steroid works. By the end of the week, you might start to feel better, but how much can vary.

Second Week Expectations

In the second week, you might start to feel more like yourself. You can do light activities and gentle exercises again, with your doctor’s okay. The steroid keeps working to reduce swelling. You might see big improvements in your condition. Always follow your doctor’s advice for a smooth recovery.

Long-term Recovery Considerations

Recovery keeps going after the second week. Most people feel a lot better in 2-3 weeks. But, it can take up to 6 weeks to see the full effects. Keep up with physical therapy or exercise programs to help your recovery and avoid future problems.

Long-term recovery also means making lifestyle changes. This includes staying healthy, improving your posture, and exercising regularly. These steps can make your treatment more effective and lower the chance of needing more treatments in the future.

Potential Side Effects During Recovery

It’s important for patients to know about possible side effects after an epidural steroid injection. These injections are usually safe but can cause side effects. The effects can vary in how long they last and how severe they are.

Common Side Effects and Their Duration

Most people have some side effects after getting an epidural steroid injection. These are usually mild and don’t last long. Common side effects include:

• Injection site soreness or discomfort
• Headache
• Facial flushing
• Temporary increase in pain
• Numbness or tingling

These side effects usually go away within a few days. For example, soreness at the injection site can last 24 to 48 hours. Headaches might last up to a week in some cases.

Managing Side Effects at Home

Most side effects can be handled at home with simple steps. For soreness at the injection site, using an ice pack can help. You can also take over-the-counter pain relievers for headaches and other pains, but only if your doctor says it’s okay.

Following your doctor’s advice on medication and activity is key during recovery. Drinking plenty of water and resting well also helps in recovery and reduces side effects.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Even though most side effects are temporary and can be managed, there are times when you should call your doctor. If you have severe pain, signs of infection (like fever, redness, or swelling at the injection site), or neurological symptoms (like numbness, tingling, or weakness) that don’t go away or get worse, you should get medical help.

Talking to your healthcare provider right away is important for any concerns or problems that come up during your recovery.

Recognizing Complications Requiring Medical Attention

It’s key to know the signs of trouble after an epidural steroid injection. These shots are common for spinal issues. But, knowing about possible problems can help you recover better.

Warning Signs After an Epidural Injection

Watch how your body reacts after an epidural steroid shot. Look out for these signs of trouble:

• Increasing pain or discomfort at the injection site
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Changes in bladder or bowel function
• Fever or chills
• Redness, swelling, or drainage at the injection site

Emergency Symptoms

Though rare, serious issues can happen after an epidural steroid shot. If you see these symptoms, get help fast:

• Severe headache or neck pain
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Sudden onset of numbness or paralysis
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, itching, difficulty breathing)

Infection Indicators

Infection is a serious but rare side effect. Watch for these signs:

If you notice these symptoms, call your doctor right away. Quick action can make a big difference in your recovery and avoid lasting harm.

Follow-Up Care and Additional Treatments

The journey to recovery doesn’t end with the epidural steroid injection. It continues with careful follow-up care. After getting an epidural steroid injection, it’s key to watch your progress and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Scheduling Follow-Up Appointments

We suggest setting up a follow-up appointment with your healthcare provider a few weeks after the procedure. This lets your doctor check if the treatment worked well. They can also address any concerns or complications.

Your doctor will look at your pain levels, check for side effects, and plan your next steps. It’s important to be honest about your symptoms and any challenges you’re facing during recovery. This helps your healthcare provider make the best decisions for your care.

When Additional Injections May Be Needed

In some cases, one epidural steroid injection might not be enough. You might need more injections. The decision to get more injections depends on how bad your condition is, how you reacted to the first treatment, and your overall health.

Your healthcare provider will talk about the benefits and risks of more injections. They will help you decide what’s best for you.

Complementary Treatments During Recovery

Complementary treatments can also help a lot during recovery. These might include physical therapy, chiropractic care, acupuncture, or yoga or meditation. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about these options to find the best ones for you.

By using follow-up care and complementary treatments together, you can get better faster. As one healthcare professional said,

“A complete care plan, including follow-up visits and other therapies, can greatly improve patient results.”

Conclusion

Recovering from an epidural steroid injection takes time and understanding. We’ve covered the key points of recovery, like immediate care and managing pain. Knowing these details helps patients get through their recovery smoothly.

The time it takes to recover can differ for everyone. But most people see big improvements in a few weeks. It’s key to follow the advice from doctors to have a good recovery.

Things like your health and how well you follow instructions can affect your recovery. Knowing these factors and possible side effects helps you play a big part in your healing.

By setting realistic goals and following doctor’s orders, you can get the most out of your treatment. This way, you can live a life free from pain. We urge patients to stay informed and work with their doctors for the best results.

FAQ

References

1. Bicket, M. C., Lucas, J., & Wu, C. L. (2015). Epidural steroid injections for low back pain. Anesthesia & Analgesia, 121(1), 252-263. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25853834/