Epidural Steroid Injections (ESI) help you return to the activities you love

Epidural steroid injections offer several advantages for people with spine-related pain. They deliver medication directly to the source of inflammation, providing targeted relief that can reduce or even eliminate the need for oral pain medicines. This can make it easier to participate in physical therapy and daily activities while avoiding the side effects of long-term medication use.

ESIs are minimally invasive, performed in an outpatient setting, and typically require little downtime, allowing most patients to return to normal routines within a day. In some cases, they can also help delay or avoid the need for surgery.

After your epidural steroid injection (ESI), you may notice temporary numbness or weakness in the area supplied by the treated nerves. Some people feel immediate pain relief from the numbing medicine, while others may not notice improvement until the steroid begins working over the next 2–5 days.

It’s common to have mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two, which can usually be managed with ice packs. Most patients can return to light activities the same day, but you should avoid strenuous exercise or heavy lifting for 24 hours. Your provider will give you specific instructions on activity restrictions and follow-up care.

The length of pain relief from an epidural steroid injection (ESI) can vary from person to person. Some people experience relief for several days or weeks, while others may have improvement that lasts for several months.

In general, the steroid helps reduce inflammation, which can ease symptoms for as long as the underlying condition is managed. If your pain returns, your provider may recommend a repeat injection or explore other treatment options.