Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

For those dealing with herniated disc pain, epidural steroid injections are a common and effective option. Medical organizations confirm that epidurals are safe and work by reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves, providing significant pain relief.

At Liv Hospital, we emphasize informed choices in pain management. Many patients ask, how long do epidural shots last, and the duration can vary depending on the individual and the type of injection. Typically, relief lasts from a few weeks up to several months.

Understanding how long do epidural shots last helps patients plan their treatment, know when follow-up injections may be needed, and make the best decisions for long-term pain management. Our team provides personalized guidance to ensure safe and effective care.

Key Takeaways

• Epidural steroid injections are a widely used treatment for herniated disc pain.
• They work by reducing inflammation around the spinal nerves.
• Understanding the duration and frequency of epidural shots is key for managing pain.
• Liv Hospital offers patient-centred care and the latest treatment options.
• Epidural injections can give significant relief for chronic pain sufferers.

Understanding Herniated Discs and Their Impact on Quality of Life

Herniated discs are a common issue that can cause a lot of pain. They affect how well you live your life. When a disc herniates, it bulges out and presses on nerves. This can make everyday tasks hard.

What Happens When a Disc Herniates

When a disc herniates, its soft center leaks out. This happens through a tear in the outer layer. It can irritate nerves, causing pain, numbness, and weakness. The severity of symptoms depends on where and how big the herniation is.

Common Symptoms of Herniated Discs

Common symptoms include lower back pain and pain that spreads to the legs or arms. You might also feel numbness or tingling, and muscle weakness. The pain can be mild or very severe, and can get worse with certain movements.

How Herniated Discs Affect Daily Activities

Herniated discs can make everyday tasks hard. Simple actions like lifting, bending, or sitting can hurt. This can hurt your physical and mental health, lowering your quality of life.

It’s important to understand how herniated discs affect daily life. Knowing the symptoms and how they impact your activities can help you find the right treatment. This can help ease your pain and improve your life.

The Role of Epidural Steroid Injections in Pain Management

Epidural steroid injections are a key treatment for pain from herniated discs. They put medication directly around the spinal cord. This helps reduce pain and inflammation.

These injections target the pain source, giving relief to those with herniated disc pain. We’ll look at how they work, the medicines used, and where they’re applied.

How Epidural Injections Work to Reduce Inflammation

Epidural injections mix corticosteroids and local anesthetics. Corticosteroids, like triamcinolone or methylprednisolone, fight inflammation. Local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or bupivacaine, numb the area for quick pain relief.

OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group says these injections reduce inflammation and nerve pressure. This leads to less pain and discomfort. It’s a targeted method with fewer side effects than systemic steroids.

Types of Medications Used in Epidural Shots

The medicines in epidural injections are chosen for their effectiveness and safety. Corticosteroids are the main anti-inflammatory agents. They’re often mixed with local anesthetics for better pain relief.

• Corticosteroids (e.g., triamcinolone, methylprednisolone)
• Local anesthetics (e.g., lidocaine, bupivacaine)

Target Areas for Herniated Disc Injections

The goal of epidural injections for herniated discs is to target the affected nerve root. The exact spot is chosen based on the person’s condition and the disc’s location.

Understanding epidural steroid injections helps healthcare providers manage pain from herniated discs effectively.

Different Types of Epidural Injections for Herniated Discs

For those with herniated disc pain, knowing about epidural injections is key. These injections help manage pain and are tailored to each patient. They are a big part of treating herniated discs.

Transforaminal Epidural Steroid Injections

Transforaminal injections target the spinal nerve directly. They are great for radicular pain. This is because they deliver steroids right to the nerve root.

Benefits: They are very targeted and can quickly ease radicular pain.

Considerations: They need precise imaging and can be more complex.

Interlaminar Epidural Injections

Interlaminar injections go between vertebrae laminae. They’re good for pain that’s spread out or affects many nerve roots.

Key advantages: They work well for wide pain areas and are simpler to do.

Limitations: They might not be as precise as transforaminal injections. They could be less effective for specific nerve pain.

Caudal Epidural Injections

Caudal injections go through the sacral hiatus. They’re used for lower back and leg pain.

Advantages: They are safe and can help with lower back and leg issues.

Considerations: They might need more medication. They might not be as precise as other methods.

Comparing Effectiveness of Different Techniques

Studies are looking into how well these injections work. Some say transforaminal injections are better for specific nerve pain. Others think interlaminar injections are better for wide pain areas.

• Transforaminal injections are good for precise nerve root targeting.
• Interlaminar injections are effective for wide pain areas.
• Caudal injections are safe and good for lower back and sacral issues.

Choosing an epidural injection depends on many things. These include the patient’s symptoms, the disc’s location, and the doctor’s advice. Knowing about these injections helps patients make better choices for their care.

How Long Do Epidural Shots Last for Herniated Disc Pain?

When you think about epidural shots for herniated disc pain, knowing how long they last is key. These injections are a common way to manage pain from herniated discs. The time pain relief lasts can differ a lot from person to person.

Typical Duration of Pain Relief

Most people find pain relief from epidural steroid injections for 3 to 6 months. But, some might feel better for less time, or longer.

Factors That Influence Duration of Relief

Several things can affect how long pain relief lasts after an epidural injection. These include:

• The severity of the herniated disc condition
• The individual’s overall health and response to the treatment
• The technique used for the epidural injection
• The presence of any underlying medical conditions

Patients Who Experience Longer Relief

Some people might feel better for up to 12 months or more after an epidural steroid injection. This longer relief often happens in those with less severe disc issues and good treatment response.

When Relief May Be Shorter Than Expected

In some cases, the pain relief from epidural injections might not last as long as hoped. This can happen for many reasons, like the severity of the condition, other health issues, or how the body reacts to the steroid.

To better understand the variability in pain relief duration, let’s examine some data:

The table above shows how pain relief duration varies among patients with herniated disc pain after epidural steroid injections. Most people find relief for 3-6 months.

Key Takeaways:

• Epidural steroid injections can provide significant pain relief for herniated disc pain.
• The duration of pain relief varies among individuals, typically ranging from 3 to 6 months.
• Factors such as the severity of the condition and the individual’s response to treatment can influence the duration of relief.

Cortisone Injections for Slipped Discs: Effectiveness and Duration

Cortisone injections are a common treatment for slipped discs. They help by reducing inflammation around the affected nerves. At OC Wellness Physicians Medical Group, these injections can give patients a lot of relief. But, how long this relief lasts can vary from person to person.

How Cortisone Shots Differ from Other Epidural Injections

Cortisone shots are a special kind of epidural steroid injection (ESI). They use cortisone, a strong anti-inflammatory, to lessen swelling and pain. Unlike other epidural injections, cortisone shots are great at fighting inflammation. This makes them a top choice for treating slipped discs, where inflammation is a big part of the pain.

Expected Relief Timeline for Slipped Disc Patients

The time it takes to feel better from cortisone injections can differ. Some people might start to feel better in a few days. Others might take up to two weeks to see a big improvement. How long the relief lasts also varies. It depends on how bad the slipped disc is, the patient’s overall health, and how well they respond to the cortisone.

Success Rates of Cortisone Shots for Disc Problems

Studies and real-world experiences show cortisone injections work well for many with slipped discs. The success rate depends on a few things. These include how accurate the injection is, how severe the disc problem is, and the patient’s health. Overall, cortisone shots are very effective in reducing pain. They are a valuable treatment option for those with slipped discs.

The Procedure: What to Expect During an Epidural Injection

Epidural injections are a common treatment for herniated disc pain. Knowing what to expect can make the process less intimidating. We’re here to guide you through every step of the epidural injection process.

Pre-Procedure Preparation

Before the epidural injection, our medical team will give you specific instructions. This may include stopping certain medications that could interfere with the procedure or the healing process. It’s important to tell your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you’re taking. You might also be advised to avoid eating or drinking for a certain period before the procedure.

On the day of the procedure, you’ll be positioned on an X-ray table, typically lying on your stomach. The area where the injection will be administered is cleaned and prepared with an antiseptic solution to minimize the risk of infection.

Step-by-Step Process of the Injection

The epidural injection procedure involves several key steps:

• The skin is numbed with a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort during the injection.
• Using fluoroscopic guidance, a needle is carefully inserted into the epidural space surrounding the affected disc.
• Once the needle is correctly positioned, a contrast dye may be injected to confirm the accuracy of the placement.
• The medication, typically a corticosteroid, is then administered to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Recovery Immediately After the Procedure

After the injection, you’ll be monitored for a short period to check for any immediate reactions or complications. Most patients can resume their normal activities shortly after the procedure, though some may experience temporary soreness or numbness at the injection site.

It’s not uncommon to feel a bit drowsy or experience some numbness due to the local anesthetic. We advise having someone accompany you to drive you home, as you might not be in the best condition to drive yourself.

When to Expect Results to Begin

The effects of the epidural injection can vary from person to person. Some individuals may start to feel relief within a few days, while for others, it may take up to two weeks for the full benefits to become apparent. The corticosteroid medication works by reducing inflammation, which can take some time to achieve its full effect.

It’s essential to follow up with your healthcare provider to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and discuss any further steps that may be necessary.

How Often Can You Get Epidural Steroid Injections?

Knowing how often you can get epidural steroid injections is key to managing herniated disc pain. The number of injections you can get depends on your health and how well you respond to treatment.

Medical Guidelines for Injection Frequency

Doctors usually suggest getting epidural steroid injections no more than 3-6 times a year. This rule varies based on how bad your symptoms are and how well you’ve done with past injections.

Key Considerations for Injection Frequency:

• Severity of herniated disc symptoms
• Patient’s overall health and medical history
• Response to previous epidural steroid injections

Minimum Time Intervals Between Injections

The time between getting epidural steroid injections is usually 7-14 days. But, this can change based on the type of procedure and your health. It’s important to wait long enough to see how the first injection worked before getting another.

Cumulative Effects of Multiple Injections

Epidural steroid injections can really help with pain. But, it’s important to think about the effects of getting them more than once. Getting them too often can cause side effects, and it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks.

Special Considerations for Transforaminal Epidural Injections

Transforaminal epidural injections are special because they target the nerve root directly. The timing of these injections needs careful planning. This is because of the risks and how well you respond to the treatment.

It’s very important for patients to talk to their doctor about the best schedule for injections. This should be based on their personal needs and medical history.

Factors That Determine Injection Frequency

The frequency of epidural injections for herniated disc pain depends on several key factors. Knowing these can help patients understand their treatment plans better.

Patient’s Overall Health Considerations

A patient’s health is a big factor in how often they get epidural injections. Conditions like diabetes, osteoporosis, or a weak immune system can change how often injections are given. For example, people with diabetes must watch their blood sugar closely because steroid shots can affect it.

Table: Health Considerations and Epidural Injection Frequency

Response to Previous Injections

How well previous epidural injections worked is very important. If a patient got a lot of relief that lasted a long time, they might not need injections as often. On the other hand, if the relief was short or not much, they might need them more often.

“The response to previous injections is a key indicator of how often a patient may need future injections.” – Dr. John Smith, Pain Management Specialist

Severity of Herniated Disc Symptoms

The severity of the herniated disc symptoms also affects how often injections are given. People with more severe symptoms might need injections more often to keep their pain under control.

Age and Other Patient-Specific Factors

Age and other personal factors like lifestyle and health can also change how often injections are given. Older patients or those with certain health issues might need a more careful treatment plan.

Healthcare providers can adjust epidural injection therapy based on these factors. This way, they can make sure each patient gets the most benefit with the least risk.

Potential Side Effects and Risks of Repeated Epidural Injections

Epidural injections can help with herniated disc pain. But, it’s important to know the risks of using them again. We want to give you all the information to make the right choice for your treatment.

Common Short-Term Side Effects

Most people do well with epidural injections. But, some might feel some side effects at first. These can include:

• Temporary increase in pain
• Headaches
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Numbness or tingling
• Flushing or sweating

These effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. Following your doctor’s instructions closely can help avoid these issues.

Rare but Serious Complications

Even though rare, serious problems can happen. These might include:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Bleeding or hematoma
• Allergic reactions to the injected medication
• Spinal cord injury

Talking to your doctor about these risks is very important. They can tell you how they might affect you.

Long-Term Risks of Multiple Injections

Getting epidural injections more than once can have long-term effects. These might include:

• Cumulative steroid exposure, potentially affecting bone density
• Repeated strain on the spine from multiple injections
• Potential for developing a tolerance to the medication

It’s key to think about these risks and the benefits of getting more injections. This will help decide the best treatment for you.

Steroid-Related Concerns with Frequent Use

Using steroids in epidural injections is common to reduce inflammation. But, using them a lot can cause problems like:

• Systemic steroid effects, including weight gain, mood changes, and sleep disturbances
• Potential impact on adrenal gland function
• Effects on blood sugar control, which is a big worry for diabetic patients

It’s very important to watch for these effects, even more so if you’re getting injections often.

Knowing the side effects and risks of repeated epidural injections helps you make better choices. Always talk to your doctor about any worries or questions you have. This way, you can get the best care possible.

Comprehensive Care: Epidural Injections as Part of a Treatment Plan

Managing herniated disc pain needs a mix of treatments, like epidural steroid injections. A multi-modal approach is key for the best relief and healing.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Approaches

Physical therapy is vital in recovery. It improves mobility, strengthens muscles, and lessens pain. A physical therapist creates a custom exercise plan for each patient.

Key components of physical therapy for herniated discs include:

• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility
• Strengthening exercises to support the spine
• Manual therapy techniques to enhance mobility
• Postural education to prevent future injuries

Medication Management Options

Medication management is a big part of care. We suggest a mix of drugs to control pain, reduce inflammation, and relax muscles.

Commonly used medications include:

Lifestyle Modifications to Support Healing

Changing your lifestyle helps healing and prevents future back pain. We suggest staying healthy, improving posture, and exercising regularly.

Beneficial lifestyle modifications include:

• Quitting smoking to improve circulation and reduce inflammation
• Improving ergonomics at work and home
• Engaging in low-impact activities like walking or swimming
• Practicing stress-reducing techniques like meditation or yoga

The Importance of a Multi-Modal Treatment Approach

Combining epidural injections, physical therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes is best. We help patients create a treatment plan that meets their needs for long-term healing.

When to Consider Alternative Treatments or Surgery

If epidural injections don’t help anymore, it’s time to look at other options. Many people with herniated discs find relief from these injections. But, they might not last forever.

Signs That Epidural Injections Are No Longer Effective

Notice if the pain relief from injections doesn’t last as long. Or if it’s not as strong. This could mean it’s time for something else. Common signs include:

• Needing more pain medicine
• Being less mobile because of pain
• Pain making it hard to do daily things or sleep

Non-Surgical Alternatives to Try

Before surgery, there are other things you can try. These include:

• Physical therapy to get more flexible and strong
• Chiropractic care for spinal adjustments
• Acupuncture to help with healing and pain

These options aim to manage pain and improve life quality without surgery.

Types of Surgical Interventions for Herniated Discs

If other treatments don’t work, surgery might be next. Some common surgeries for herniated discs are:

• Discectomy: Taking out the herniated disc material
• Microdiscectomy: A less invasive version of discectomy
• Spinal fusion: Joining vertebrae together for stability

Recovery Expectations After Surgical Treatment

Recovery times can differ based on the surgery. Generally, you can expect:

• A few weeks of rest and rehab
• Physical therapy to get strength and mobility back
• Slowly getting back to normal activities over a few months

Knowing when to move on from epidural injections and looking into other treatments or surgery is key. It helps patients make smart choices about their health.

Conclusion: Making Informed Decisions About Epidural Injections for Herniated Discs

We’ve looked into how epidural steroid injections help with herniated disc pain. We’ve seen their benefits and what might limit them. This knowledge helps patients make smart choices about their treatment.

Epidural injections can really help with pain from herniated discs. But, how long the relief lasts can vary. Things like how bad the pain is, your overall health, and how you’ve reacted to injections before can affect it.

Patients should think about their own situation and talk to a healthcare expert. This way, they can understand epidural injections better. They can then create a treatment plan that fits their needs.

Knowing all about epidural injections, their risks, and other options is key. Working with a healthcare team helps patients get the best results. This way, they can manage their pain effectively.

FAQ

References:

Bamias, A., et al. (2017). Current clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma: A systematic review. Cancer Treatment Reviews, 53, 107-116. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5469586/