Patient guide
What to Expect from an Epidural Steroid Injection
One of the most common interventional treatments for radiating nerve pain — here's what it does, what the visit is like, and how relief usually unfolds.
In short — An epidural steroid injection places anti-inflammatory medication next to an irritated spinal nerve under live X-ray guidance. The skin is numbed first, the injection is brief, and steroid relief typically builds over two to seven days. It's used to calm nerve pain enough to move and rehabilitate — see the epidural steroid injection service page for the clinical detail.
What the injection does
When a spinal nerve root is inflamed — often from a herniated disc or spinal stenosis — it can send pain radiating down the arm or leg, the pattern many people know as sciatica. An epidural steroid injection delivers steroid medication into the epidural space right around that nerve, using fluoroscopy (live X-ray) so it reaches the correct level. Calming the inflammation can reduce the pain enough to let you move, sleep, and take part in physical therapy and the rest of your back pain care.
Before the injection
Preparation is usually simple. Tell the office about any blood thinners — some may need to be paused beforehand — and mention diabetes, since steroid can raise blood sugar for a few days. You can generally eat and take your normal medications unless the office tells you otherwise. Our general procedure-preparation guide covers drivers, clothing, and what to do if you feel unwell.
During the visit
You'll lie on an X-ray table, and the skin over the injection site is cleaned and numbed with local anesthetic. Using live X-ray guidance — often with a small amount of contrast dye to confirm placement — Dr. Eaddy positions the needle and delivers the medication. The injection itself takes only a few minutes; most people feel pressure rather than sharp pain. Afterward you rest briefly while staff make sure you're comfortable before you head home.
After the injection
You may notice short-term relief the same day from the local anesthetic, followed by a day or two when the original pain returns before the steroid takes hold. Steroid relief usually builds over two to seven days. Mild soreness at the injection site is common and eases with rest and ice. Take it easy for the rest of the day; your team will tell you when to resume normal activity and therapy.
How relief is measured — and what's next
The goal is meaningful, functional relief: less pain, better movement, more of your day back. Duration varies from weeks to several months. If the injection helps, it may be repeated on a sensible schedule as part of your plan; if relief is partial or brief, Dr. Eaddy will talk through the next options — from radiofrequency ablation to neuromodulation for the smaller group with persistent nerve pain.
When to call the office
Contact the office for a fever, spreading redness or drainage at the injection site, a severe headache that worsens when you sit or stand, or any new weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These are uncommon, but worth a prompt call. For any medical emergency, call 911.
Related pages
- Epidural steroid injection — the clinical service page
- Preparing for an interventional pain procedure
- Sciatica and back pain — common reasons for the injection
- Preparing for your first visit
Wondering if an injection could help you?
Call the office for an appointment, or send a question online — office staff will respond by phone during business hours.
Call (904) 453-7976 Send a questionMessages only / callback line: (813) 397-3047
Reviewed by Kenneth J. Eaddy, MD · Updated July 2026