You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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If you've had back pain for more than 6 weeks and your pain is very bad, your doctor might recommend a shot (injection) of corticosteroid, or steroid medicine, into your spinal canal. This is called an epidural injection.
Steroid medicines reduce inflammation and swelling. This can relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots. The medicine can't fix your back, but it may give you short-term relief from back and leg pain.
The medicine may be given as 1 shot or a series of up to 3 shots about a month apart. More than 3 shots in the same spot within 12 months isn't recommended.footnote 3
For some people, the shots provide short-term relief from pain, especially pain that runs down the leg. But relief doesn't last very long. In most cases, the shots only last about 3 months.footnote 1 But that may be enough time for your back to heal so that pain doesn't return.
The shots may allow you to postpone or avoid surgery. But they may not improve how well you can do your daily activities over the long term.
If you don't have pain that spreads from your back down your leg, it's unlikely that epidural steroid shots will help at all. Epidural steroid shots are not recommended if you have general, or nonspecific, low back pain.footnote 2
The most common problem is a severe headache that lasts for a few days. And your pain might get worse before it gets better.
Complications include infections or bleeding at the site of the injection.
Serious side effects from an epidural steroid injection are rare. But they can include stroke, paralysis, or loss of vision.
You may be able to relieve your symptoms by making lifestyle changes or trying other treatments, such as:
Your doctor may recommend the shots if you've already tried other treatments for at least 6 weeks, and if you have pain that spreads down your leg.
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I started feeling better soon after I had the shot. I was able to sleep through the night without waking up from pain. It really helped my energy level. And I started taking short walks in the morning again.
Jane, age 39
I have a really hard time in general recovering from procedures. I guess I'm just sensitive or something. Anyway, I'm concerned that the shots may involve more pain than they're worth. I'm going to see if my back pain gets better on its own before I decide to have these shots.
Rick, age 70
I've had terrible back pain for a month or more, and now it's spreading down my leg. I tried taking it easy, but that isn't helping. I've thought about getting the steroid shots. But I don't want to pay for something that might not last very long. My doctor said losing some weight and trying physical therapy could help my back pain. I think I'll try those things first.
Carlos, age 42
I work in a retail store, and I'm on my feet all day. I have a hard time getting through the day, because my back and leg pain is so bad. I think the shots could help me, and I'm willing to try anything. I need to be able to do my job, and any pain relief would be a welcome thing.
Connie, age 58
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have epidural steroid shots
Reasons not to have epidural steroid shots
I don't care if the shots don't last. I want to try anything that might relieve my pain.
I don't want to try treatment that might not work or that won't last.
I'm worried about the serious side effects, like paralysis, even though they're rare.
I'm not worried about the side effects.
I've already tried other treatments.
I haven't tried other treatments.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Getting epidural steroid shots
NOT getting epidural steroid shots
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
Author | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Jeffrey N. Katz MD, MPH - Rheumatology |
If you've had back pain for more than 6 weeks and your pain is very bad, your doctor might recommend a shot (injection) of corticosteroid, or steroid medicine, into your spinal canal. This is called an epidural injection.
Steroid medicines reduce inflammation and swelling. This can relieve pressure on nerves and nerve roots. The medicine can't fix your back, but it may give you short-term relief from back and leg pain.
The medicine may be given as 1 shot or a series of up to 3 shots about a month apart. More than 3 shots in the same spot within 12 months isn't recommended.3
For some people, the shots provide short-term relief from pain, especially pain that runs down the leg. But relief doesn't last very long. In most cases, the shots only last about 3 months.1 But that may be enough time for your back to heal so that pain doesn't return.
The shots may allow you to postpone or avoid surgery. But they may not improve how well you can do your daily activities over the long term.
If you don't have pain that spreads from your back down your leg, it's unlikely that epidural steroid shots will help at all. Epidural steroid shots are not recommended if you have general, or nonspecific, low back pain.2
The most common problem is a severe headache that lasts for a few days. And your pain might get worse before it gets better.
Complications include infections or bleeding at the site of the injection.
Serious side effects from an epidural steroid injection are rare. But they can include stroke, paralysis, or loss of vision.
You may be able to relieve your symptoms by making lifestyle changes or trying other treatments, such as:
Your doctor may recommend the shots if you've already tried other treatments for at least 6 weeks, and if you have pain that spreads down your leg.
Try epidural steroid shots | Don't try epidural steroid shots | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I started feeling better soon after I had the shot. I was able to sleep through the night without waking up from pain. It really helped my energy level. And I started taking short walks in the morning again."
— Jane, age 39
"I have a really hard time in general recovering from procedures. I guess I'm just sensitive or something. Anyway, I'm concerned that the shots may involve more pain than they're worth. I'm going to see if my back pain gets better on its own before I decide to have these shots."
— Rick, age 70
"I've had terrible back pain for a month or more, and now it's spreading down my leg. I tried taking it easy, but that isn't helping. I've thought about getting the steroid shots. But I don't want to pay for something that might not last very long. My doctor said losing some weight and trying physical therapy could help my back pain. I think I'll try those things first."
— Carlos, age 42
"I work in a retail store, and I'm on my feet all day. I have a hard time getting through the day, because my back and leg pain is so bad. I think the shots could help me, and I'm willing to try anything. I need to be able to do my job, and any pain relief would be a welcome thing."
— Connie, age 58
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to have epidural steroid shots
Reasons not to have epidural steroid shots
I don't care if the shots don't last. I want to try anything that might relieve my pain.
I don't want to try treatment that might not work or that won't last.
I'm worried about the serious side effects, like paralysis, even though they're rare.
I'm not worried about the side effects.
I've already tried other treatments.
I haven't tried other treatments.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Getting epidural steroid shots
NOT getting epidural steroid shots
1. Can epidural steroid shots help with general back pain?
2. Can the shots provide short-term relief from back pain that spreads down the leg?
3. Can having the shots delay surgery?
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
By | Healthwise Staff |
---|---|
Primary Medical Reviewer | William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine |
Primary Medical Reviewer | Jeffrey N. Katz MD, MPH - Rheumatology |
Current as of: March 9, 2022
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:William H. Blahd Jr. MD, FACEP - Emergency Medicine & E. Gregory Thompson MD - Internal Medicine & Adam Husney MD - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine & Jeffrey N. Katz MD, MPH - Rheumatology
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