Epidural Injections Explained: What to Expect Before, During, and After Treatment
Sep 15, 2026
Epidural injections can provide targeted relief when back or nerve pain continues despite conservative care. If your doctor recommends one, knowing what happens before, during, and after treatment can make the process feel more manageable and help you prepare for your appointment.
At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, board-certified pain management specialist Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, uses epidural injections to reduce inflammation and relieve pain caused by conditions such as sciatica, radiculopathy, herniated discs, spinal stenosis, and nerve impingement. Dr. Arora personalizes treatment based on the source and severity of your symptoms.
An epidural injection delivers anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medication into the epidural space surrounding the spinal cord. The medication can reduce inflammation around irritated or compressed nerves, which may ease back pain, shooting or radiating pain, numbness, burning, and tingling.
Dr. Arora may recommend an epidural injection when physical therapy, activity changes, and other conservative treatments haven’t provided enough relief.
Dr. Arora first reviews your symptoms, medical history, and previous treatments and performs a physical exam. Imaging may help him identify the source of your pain and plan the injection.
Tell Dr. Arora about all medications and supplements you take and let him know if you may be pregnant. You may need to stop certain medications before the procedure, but only do so according to physician instructions.
Because you’ll need someone to drive you home afterward, arrange transportation in advance. Follow any additional preparation instructions the office gives you.
Epidural injections are outpatient procedures so you can return home the same day. You change into a gown and lie on a treatment table while Dr. Arora cleans and numbs the injection area. You might receive medicinal support to assist with relaxation.
Dr. Arora uses imaging guidance to carefully position the needle. He then injects a combination of numbing and steroid medication near the irritated nerves to reduce swelling and inflammation.
You may notice pressure during the injection. Staying still helps Dr. Arora place the medication accurately.
Dr. Arora monitors you for about 15-20 minutes after the procedure before you leave with your designated driver. You may experience temporary tenderness or swelling around the injection site.
Plan to take it easy for the remainder of the day. Follow the instructions Dr. Arora gives you regarding activities, medications, and when you may resume your normal routine.
Pain relief doesn’t always happen immediately. Symptoms often improve over the following few days, and some patients experience relief lasting several months. Results vary, and epidural injections may work best as one part of a broader pain management plan.
Reducing pain can make it easier to move, complete daily activities, and participate in therapies designed to improve your long-term function. Dr. Arora follows your progress and can adjust your treatment plan based on how well the injection works.
If ongoing back pain, sciatica, or radiating nerve pain is interfering with your daily life, call Arora Pain Clinic or schedule an appointment online with Dr. Arora. He can determine whether an epidural injection may help you achieve meaningful relief.