Last Updated on November 26, 2025 by Bilal Hasdemir

Getting a lumbar epidural injection is a big step in fighting back pain. At Liv Hospital, we know how important lumbar epidural injection recovery is for your overall healing. Our goal is to guide you through the process with expert care and understanding.

Typically, recovery from an epidural injection involves resting for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure. After that, you can slowly return to your normal activities. Our team at Liv Hospital is here to support you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and safe recovery.

Key Takeaways

• Rest for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure.
• Gradually resume normal activities.
• Receive transparent guidance through every stage of recovery.
• Benefit from world-class expertise at Liv Hospital.
• Enjoy a patient-centered approach to care.

Understanding Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections

To understand the recovery process, it’s important to know what a lumbar epidural steroid injection is. These injections are used to ease pain and inflammation in the lower back.

What Is a Lumbar Epidural Injection?

A lumbar epidural injection puts a steroid medication near the spinal cord in the lower back. This helps reduce inflammation and pain from spinal conditions.

The epidural space is filled with fat and surrounds the spinal cord. Injecting steroids here targets the inflamed areas, causing pain.

Common Conditions Treated with Epidural Injections

Lumbar epidural steroid injections treat several conditions, including:

• Herniated discs
• Spinal stenosis
• Degenerative disc disease
• Spondylolisthesis
• Radiculopathy (sciatica)

These conditions cause pain, numbness, or weakness in the lower back and legs. Epidural injections reduce inflammation, easing these symptoms and improving life quality.

How the Procedure Works

The lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure involves these steps:

1. Preparation: The patient lies on their stomach, and the area is cleaned and sterilized.
2. Fluoroscopy: The doctor uses fluoroscopy to find the best spot for the injection.
3. Injection: A local anesthetic numbs the area, then the steroid medication is injected into the epidural space.
4. Recovery: The patient is watched for a short time before being sent home.

After an epidural injection, patients might feel numbness or soreness. This usually goes away within hours to days. Knowing what to expect helps patients recover better.

Immediate Post-Procedure Effects

Knowing what happens right after a lumbar epidural steroid injection helps set expectations. Patients are watched closely for any quick reactions after the shot.

First 24 Hours After Injection

The first day is key. You might feel some soreness or discomfort where the shot was given. This can be eased with common pain meds.

“It’s normal to feel a bit sore after the shot,” we say. “But this usually goes away in a couple of days.”

Resting is important during this time. We tell patients to avoid hard work and heavy lifting. This helps avoid problems and aids in healing.

Managing Temporary Numbness

Some people might feel numbness or tingling where the shot was given. This is from the local anesthetic and should go away in a few hours.

To handle numbness, be careful when moving. It can make you less aware of your surroundings and coordination.

Dealing with Injection Site Soreness

It’s common to feel sore where the shot was given. Ice packs or pain meds can help. We tell patients to watch their pain and call their doctor if it gets bad or lasts too long.

Drinking plenty of water and eating well also helps with recovery. “Good hydration and nutrition are key to healing,” we stress.

By knowing what to expect after an epidural steroid injection, patients can handle their recovery better.

The First 48 Hours of Lumbar Epidural Injection Recovery

The first 48 hours after a lumbar epidural injection are key. They help avoid complications and ensure a smooth recovery. Your body starts responding to the steroid medication during this time. Proper care can greatly impact the treatment’s success.

Recommended Rest Period

Resting for 24 to 48 hours is usually advised after a lumbar epidural steroid injection. This rest lets your body heal without stress on the treated area. It’s important to avoid strenuous activities during this time to lower the risk of complications.

While you don’t need to stay in bed all the time, cutting down on activity helps your body heal better. You can do light, gentle movements. But avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting.

Activity Limitations

In the first 48 hours, it’s key to limit your activities for healing. Avoid heavy lifting, bending, or twisting as these can strain your lower back. Also, don’t:

• Do strenuous exercise or sports
• Take long car rides or flights
• Do activities that involve jarring or jolting movements

Instead, stick to gentle, low-impact activities that help you relax and feel comfortable.

Pain Management Strategies

Managing pain well is vital in the first 48 hours after your lumbar epidural steroid injection. Follow your doctor’s instructions on pain medication. They might give you specific drugs or dosages to ease your pain.

Along with medication, cold or heat therapy can help with pain. Some people find cold packs helpful, while others prefer heat. Always follow your healthcare provider’s advice on this.

By managing your rest, activities, and pain well in the first 48 hours, you can improve your recovery from a lumbar epidural steroid injection. This can also increase the chances of a successful outcome.

What to Expect After an Epidural Injection: Days 3-7

After your epidural injection, you might notice big changes in your health. This time is key as it shows if the treatment is working. We’ll help you know what to expect, like when pain relief starts, what symptoms are normal, and how to start moving again.

Typical Timeline for Pain Relief

Pain relief usually starts within 3 to 7 days after the injection. But it can take up to two weeks for some. The time it takes can depend on how bad your pain is and how your body reacts to the steroid.

Timeline for Pain Relief:

Normal vs. Concerning Symptoms

Watch your symptoms closely in days 3-7. Normal signs include soreness at the injection site and numbness or tingling. These should get better over time. But if you have severe pain, fever, or signs of infection, seek medical help right away.

It’s important to tell the difference between normal discomfort and signs of trouble. If you notice anything odd or severe, call your doctor.

Gradually Resuming Activities

When you start feeling better, you can slowly go back to your usual activities. Start with easy tasks and gradually do more as you feel able. Avoid lifting heavy things, bending, or doing hard exercises during this time.

Knowing what to expect in days 3-7 after an epidural injection helps you manage your recovery. Remember, being patient and following your doctor’s advice is important for a good outcome.

The Two-Week Recovery Milestone

The two-week mark is key to seeing if your epidural steroid injection worked. Most people start feeling better from pain and swelling by then. We’ll help you know what to expect, like how long the relief lasts and why follow-ups are important.

Maximum Benefit Timeline

Most people see a big drop in pain after an epidural steroid injection. This relief can last weeks to months. The best results usually happen in two to three weeks.

Be patient and let your body adjust to the treatment. Some people feel better fast, while others take longer. Our team will guide you based on your situation and how you react to the treatment.

Variations in Individual Response

Everyone reacts differently to epidural steroid injections. Things like how bad your condition is, your health, and past treatments affect how well it works. Some might feel no pain at all, while others might just feel less pain.

Stick to our after-care instructions and keep your follow-up appointments. This helps us tweak your treatment if needed and tackle any worries you have.

Follow-up Appointments

Follow-up visits are vital for your recovery. They let us check if the injection is working, watch for side effects, and adjust your plan if needed.

At your follow-up, we’ll talk about your symptoms, see how you’re doing, and plan your next steps. This might include more treatments, physical therapy, or other help for your recovery.

By staying in touch with our team and keeping your appointments, you can get the most out of your epidural steroid injection. This way, you’ll have the best chance of a good outcome.

Essential Aftercare Guidelines for Epidural Steroid Injections

Recovering well from an epidural steroid injection needs careful aftercare. Following these guidelines helps you get the most from your treatment. It also makes your recovery smoother.

Hydration and Nutrition Recommendations

Drinking enough water and eating right are key to your recovery. Drinking plenty of water helps get rid of the steroid and keeps your spine healthy. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water a day. Eat foods that fight inflammation, like leafy greens, berries, and fatty fish.

• Eat foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids to lower inflammation.
• Stay away from processed foods and sugars that can make inflammation worse.
• Make sure you get enough protein to help your body heal.

Sleep Positioning Tips

How you sleep is important for feeling better and healing after an epidural steroid injection. Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees to ease spine pressure. Or, sleep on your side with a pillow between your knees to keep your spine aligned.

“Proper sleep positioning can significantly impact the recovery process, reducing discomfort and promoting healing.”

Medical Recovery Guidelines

Importance of Follow-up Care

Getting regular check-ups is a big part of your recovery. We set up follow-up visits to see how you’re doing, answer any questions, and adjust your treatment if needed. Going to these appointments helps you stay on track for the best pain relief and improvement in function.

1. Keep track of your symptoms and report any changes or concerns at your follow-up appointments.
2. Discuss any questions or fears you have about your recovery with your healthcare provider.
3. Follow your healthcare provider’s recommendations for post-procedure care and activity levels.

By following these aftercare tips, you can make your recovery from an epidural steroid injection better. If you have any worries or questions, always talk to your healthcare provider for help and advice.

Physical Activity Guidelines During Recovery

Knowing how much physical activity to do after a lumbar epidural steroid injection is important. It helps you get the most out of the treatment. Make sure to choose activities carefully to help your body heal well.

Safe Activities in the First Week

In the first week, it’s best to do very little. Light walking is good because it keeps your blood flowing and doesn’t hurt your back too much. You can walk more as you feel better.

Other safe things to do early on include:

• Gentle stretching, as advised by your healthcare provider
• Light household chores that don’t require bending or heavy lifting
• Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation

When to Resume Exercise

When you can start exercising again depends on your situation and what your doctor says. Usually, you can start with low-impact activities like swimming or cycling a few days to a week after.

Remember to:

1. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise
2. Start slow and get more intense as you can
3. Stop if you feel pain or discomfort

Activities to Avoid

Stay away from activities that might hurt your recovery or put too much pressure on your spine. Avoid:

• Heavy lifting or bending
• High-impact exercises like running or jumping
• Contact sports or activities that involve twisting or sudden movements

By following these guidelines and listening to your doctor, you can make your recovery better. This will help your lumbar epidural steroid injection work its best.

Factors Influencing Recovery from Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection

Several key factors can impact your recovery from a lumbar epidural steroid injection. Understanding these elements can help you better manage your expectations and potentially improve your outcome.

Age and Overall Health

Your age and overall health play significant roles in your recovery process. Generally, younger individuals and those in good health tend to recover more quickly and effectively from lumbar epidural steroid injections. Pre-existing health conditions, such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease, may potentially slow down the recovery process. We recommend discussing your individual health status with your healthcare provider to get a more accurate prognosis.

Severity of Underlying Condition

The severity of the condition being treated can also influence your recovery. Patients with more advanced spinal degeneration or severe nerve compression may require more time to experience significant improvement. In some cases, additional treatments or a combination of therapies may be necessary to achieve optimal results.

Previous Treatments and Procedures

Your history of previous treatments and procedures can impact your recovery from a lumbar epidural steroid injection. Individuals who have undergone multiple spinal interventions or surgeries may have a different recovery trajectory compared to those receiving their first epidural injection. We consider this factor when developing your personalized treatment plan.

Adherence to Recovery Guidelines

Following the recommended recovery guidelines is key to optimal healing and outcome. Adhering to post-procedure instructions, including activity limitations and medication schedules, can significantly influence your recovery. We provide detailed aftercare instructions to help you navigate the recovery process effectively.

By understanding these factors and working closely with your healthcare provider, you can optimize your recovery from a lumbar epidural steroid injection and potentially achieve better long-term results.

Potential Side Effects and When to Seek Help

It’s important to know the side effects and complications of lumbar epidural steroid injections. These injections are usually safe and work well. Knowing about possible reactions can help you recover better.

Common Side Effects

Most people do well with these injections. But some might feel temporary side effects. These can include:

• Injection site pain or discomfort
• Temporary numbness or weakness in the legs
• Headaches
• Facial flushing
• Insomnia
• Temporary increase in blood sugar levels for diabetic patients

These side effects are usually mild and go away in a few days. It’s key to watch your symptoms and talk to your doctor if you have any worries.

Warning Signs of Complications

Even though rare, some complications need quick medical help. Watch out for these warning signs:

When to Contact Your Doctor

If you see any warning signs or have recovery worries, contact your doctor right away. Also, if you notice anything odd or have questions, reach out to your healthcare provider.

Being proactive about your health and knowing when to ask for help can greatly improve your recovery. Always listen to your healthcare provider’s advice. They can give you personalized guidance based on your health.

Conclusion

Recovering from a lumbar epidural steroid injection takes time and patience. We’ve covered the recovery stages, from right after the procedure to two weeks later. By following our advice, you can feel more confident in your recovery.

Proper care after the injection is key to a good outcome. You’ll need to manage numbness, soreness at the injection site and slowly start doing things again. Your body’s response is important, so listen to it and plan carefully.

Knowing how to recover and following the right steps can help you feel better. We’re here to support and guide you every step of the way. We want to help you find relief from pain.

FAQ

References

1. Curatolo, M., Michels, F., & Kosek, E. (2022). Long-term effectiveness of epidural steroid injections after lumbar disc herniation: A systematic review of older adults with chronic back and leg pain. Pain Medicine, 23(9), 1358-1368. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9296573/