How Long Does an Epidural Steroid Injection Last?

By the GSMC pain management team, medically reviewed by Dharam P. Mann, MD

One of the most common questions we hear after an epidural steroid injection is simple: how long will this last? The honest answer is that it varies. This guide explains the usual timeline, what affects it, how to help relief last and what happens if it wears off. If you are still deciding on an injection, start with our guide to what to expect at an epidural steroid injection.

GSMC is led by Dr. Dharam Mann, who completed fellowships in pain management, cardiac anesthesia and critical care at Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard.

At GSMC, Dr. Mann performs epidural steroid injections himself. Over his career he has done more than 30,000 epidural injections (approximate career total).

The short answer

Relief from an epidural steroid injection can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Many people notice benefit for weeks to months. Some people get longer relief, and some get little or none. No one can promise a specific result, and results vary.

The typical timeline

• First few hours: the numbing medicine may ease pain right away. This wears off the same day.
• Days 1 to 3: your usual pain may return, and the injection site may be sore. This gap is common and does not mean the injection failed.
• Days 2 to 7: the steroid starts to calm inflamed nerves. This is when many people begin to notice a change.
• Weeks 2 to 4: your doctor can usually judge how much the injection helped.
• After that: relief may hold steady for weeks or months, or slowly fade.

What affects how long relief lasts?

• The cause of your pain. Nerve irritation from a disc herniation often responds differently than narrowing from spinal stenosis.
• How long you have had pain. Newer pain sometimes responds better than pain that has lasted for years.
• Accurate placement. We use live X-ray guidance to place the medicine near the irritated nerve.
• What you do next. Physical therapy and home exercise during the pain-relief window can make a real difference.
• Your overall health. Smoking, diabetes and activity level can all play a part.

How to help your relief last

An epidural is meant to calm pain so you can move better. It works best as part of a plan:

• Start or restart physical therapy while your pain is lower.
• Keep up a home exercise routine for your core and hips.
• Walk each day if your doctor says it is safe.
• Pay attention to posture at work and in the car.
• Keep a simple pain diary so you and your doctor can see what changed.

When relief wears off

If your pain comes back, let us know. Depending on how well the first injection worked, options may include:

• A repeat injection, if the first one gave meaningful relief
• A different approach, such as a selective nerve root block that targets one nerve
• Treatment for other pain sources, such as radiofrequency ablation for facet joint pain
• Spinal cord stimulation for long-term nerve pain when simpler care has not helped

Steroid doses are usually limited over a year, so your doctor will look at your whole plan before repeating injections.

When to call us

Call the office if you have fever, redness or drainage at the injection site, a severe headache, new weakness or numbness, or any loss of bladder or bowel control. For a medical emergency, call 911.

Where we offer epidural injections

We see patients at our Toms River office on Hooper Avenue and our other offices in Ocean and Monmouth County. Many plans, including Medicare, cover epidural steroid injections when criteria are met, and we verify your benefits before scheduling.

Call 732-202-3000 or request a consultation.

Related reading: What to expect after a nerve block.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an epidural steroid injection last?

It varies from person to person. The numbing medicine wears off within hours. If the steroid helps, relief often begins in 2 to 7 days and may last weeks to months. Some people get little or no benefit.

Why did my pain get worse the day after my epidural?

Some soreness at the injection site, or a short flare of your usual pain, can happen in the first day or two before the steroid starts to work. Call us if pain is severe or you have fever, new weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control.

Can a second epidural last longer than the first?

Sometimes. If the first injection helped for a while, a repeat injection may be considered. If it did not help at all, your doctor may look at other causes or options instead of repeating it.

How many epidural injections can I have in a year?

Steroid doses are usually limited over a year to lower the risk of side effects. Your doctor will plan injections based on your health and how well each one worked.

What if the epidural does not help?

That is useful information too. It may mean the pain is coming from somewhere else, such as a facet or SI joint. Your doctor will talk with you about next steps.

Medical disclaimer: This article is for general education only and is not medical advice. Please talk with your own doctor about your symptoms and treatment. Individual results vary.