How Long Can Pain Relief Last After an Epidural Injection for Spine Pain?
Our Team
3/22/2025
Back pain can take a serious toll on quality of life. Even simple tasks like walking or climbing the stairs can feel impossible. If you're living with spinal conditions like herniated discs, spinal stenosis, or sciatica, you're not alone — and finding relief doesn't have to feel overwhelming.
Have you considered an epidural injection for spine pain? This treatment offers relief that can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months. For a more exact timeline, we recommend calling Aspire Spine & Headache Pain Center to book a consultation in Raleigh, NC.
Below, we'll discuss the topic of epidural injections in more detail, including how they work and what to expect. When it comes to chronic pain, you don't have to navigate this alone. Let's take the first step together toward a life filled with more possibilities.
What does an epidural do?
Before getting into the benefits of epidural injections, it's important to define a few key terms. So, what does an epidural do? This injection isn't just a temporary solution for pain relief. It's a targeted treatment that administers a combination of corticosteroids and anesthetics directly into the epidural space around the spine. This approach has two key benefits:
- Reduces inflammation from irritated nerves due to herniated discs or spinal stenosis
- Blocks pain signals, creating immediate relief and enabling greater freedom of movement
How long do epidural steroid injections last?
Now, the more pressing question: How long do epidural steroid injections last? As mentioned, relief can last between a few weeks to several months, depending on the following factors:
- Individual response: Some patients experience shorter or longer periods of pain relief depending on their unique reaction to the treatment.
- Underlying condition: The duration of relief can also be influenced by the specific spinal conditions being treated.
- Lifestyle and self-care habits: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and participating in activities like exercise can help prolong the effects of an epidural.
While epidural injections are not typically an indefinite solution, they can be an essential part of a comprehensive pain management plan. By reducing inflammation and minimizing pain from herniated discs, sciatica, and more, these injections may delay the need for surgery and support ongoing treatments such as physical therapy.
Why choose epidural injections?
Epidural injections offer several benefits when it comes to managing spinal pain in Raleigh, NC, including:
- Targeted relief: The medication is delivered directly to the affected area, providing more targeted and effective relief compared to oral medications.
- Nonsurgical approach: Epidural injections are minimally invasive and do not require surgery, making them a safer option for those who prefer nonsurgical options.
- Improved mobility: Many spinal conditions limit the ability to move freely. Epidural injections alleviate nerve-related pain, so it's easier to exercise and participate in physical therapy.
- Less reliance on medication: With epidural injections, you may be able to reduce dependence on pain medications that come with unwanted side effects.
Find long-lasting relief with our team
It's normal to have questions like "What does an epidural do?" or "How long do epidural steroid injections last?" Whether you have spinal stenosis or struggle with sciatica symptoms, our team at Aspire Spine & Headache Pain Center can help. Our compassionate staff is dedicated to finding a course of treatment for your situation and providing relief that lasts. Call now to book your first appointment in Raleigh, NC.