How Long Will My Epidural Injection Relieve My Pain?
Aug 08, 2025
If you're considering an epidural steroid injection for back or neck pain, you probably have one big question: How long will the relief last? There is no one-size-fits-all answer because everyone responds a little differently.
At Arora Pain Clinic in Torrance, California, our board-certified pain management specialist, Ripu Arora, MD, MBA, takes the time to answer your questions about epidural injections so you feel confident, informed, and at ease.
An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the space around your spinal nerves. That area, known as the epidural space, is where irritated nerves can swell and cause pain. The steroid works by calming that inflammation and reducing pressure on the nerve.
The treatment, however, does not address the problem’s root cause. However, it can reduce pain enough to help you move more freely and participate in physical therapy or daily activities.
Many patients feel relief that gives them a chance to get back on track. For some, that relief is brief. For others, it lasts much longer.
Relief may begin within one to three days. Some people experience a noticeable difference within 24 hours. Others may take up to a week before they feel the full effects.
It all depends on your body and the specific cause of your pain. Conditions like a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or nerve root irritation can respond in different ways.
So if you don’t feel better right away, try to be patient. The medication needs time to work.
For many people, an epidural injection provides relief that lasts from several weeks to a few months. Some report improvement that lasts six months or longer. For others, the effects may wear off much sooner.
The first injection often serves a dual purpose: a treatment and a diagnostic tool. If it helps a lot, Dr. Arora may use that information to plan further care. If it doesn’t help much, he may explore other options.
No two people have the same experience. Your results may differ even from someone with the same condition.
Several factors can influence the duration of relief. People react differently, but some common things can affect how long you may have relief.
Some factors may include:
Taking steps to strengthen your body and reduce strain on your spine can help extend the effects.
Typically, you can receive up to three epidural injections in a year. Spacing them out helps limit side effects from the steroids. If you experience relief but the pain returns after a few months, Dr. Arora may recommend a follow-up injection.
For people with chronic conditions, injections may be part of a long-term pain management plan. Dr. Arora will guide you on what is safe and appropriate.
If the injection helps only for a short time or not at all, don’t lose hope. It may still provide valuable insight about where your pain originates. It can also help narrow down what kinds of treatment might be most effective.
Options like nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation, or even surgery may be discussed in more complex cases. But often, the injection buys time for physical therapy or lifestyle changes to take effect.
Pain relief may not last forever, but it can provide a window of opportunity. That window could be just what you need to take the next step toward long-term healing. Call the office or book an appointment online today to discuss all your pain options.