How Long Should You Rest After An Epidural?

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to how long you should rest following an epidural, as it depends on your recovery needs and the type of procedure. At a minimum, you should rest until you have regained feeling in all of your limbs. Moving around too soon can put you at risk of injury. Most patients find that it takes up to a few hours for sensation to return. If by rest you mean refraining from your normal daily activities, then you should wait at least 24 hours after the epidural.

Role of Pain Injections in Spine Treatment

Pain injections, particularly epidural steroid injections, have become a common treatment for individuals dealing with chronic back pain or nerve-related issues. These back pain injections can be highly effective in providing relief by reducing inflammation in the spine and surrounding areas. The injection, typically delivered through an epidural needle, targets the epidural space around the spinal cord, where nerve roots exit the spine. By alleviating inflammation and pressure on painful nerves, pain injections can provide significant relief from conditions such as sciatica, herniated discs, or spinal stenosis.

At an outpatient clinic like New York Spine Specialist, patients can receive these injections without the need for hospitalization, making the process more convenient and accessible. Epidural injections are often recommended as part of a comprehensive pain management plan, especially when conservative treatments like physical therapy or medications haven’t provided sufficient relief. For some individuals, pain injections offer long-term relief, while for others, they may be used in conjunction with other treatments, such as types of surgery, if necessary, to address the root cause of the pain.

The use of pain injections helps to manage severe discomfort during the healing process and may allow patients to participate in physical therapy or other rehabilitation exercises, which are key to improving spinal health in the long term.

What to Expect From Immediate Recovery

After an epidural, some numbness may occur, especially in the arms or legs, which is caused by the local anesthetic. This feeling should subside within several hours, typically between four and six hours. It is important to avoid sudden movements during this period to prevent injury.

It’s also common for patients to feel an increase in pain in the days following the epidural. This happens before the steroid begins to take effect, but it is typically temporary. Pain relief from the epidural steroid injection generally begins within a few days to one week. According to Spine-Health, more than 50 percent of patients who receive a lumbar epidural steroid injection experience at least some pain relief. Spine-Health also cites a 1998 study by Lutz et al. that found that more than 80 percent of those with sciatica from lumbar disc herniation noticed relief from an epidural injection[i].

The Role of Epidural Steroid Injections in Pain Relief

An epidural steroid injection works by delivering a potent anti-inflammatory medication, directly targeting the epidural space around your spinal cord. This space is crucial because it contains the nerve roots that may be causing pain due to conditions like herniated discs, sciatica, or spinal stenosis. The steroid in the epidural helps reduce inflammation, alleviating pressure on the painful nerve roots, and providing effective pain relief. For patients dealing with chronic pain, especially from bulging disks or nerve root damage, this type of spinal injection can offer significant relief.

Some patients may experience immediate pain relief, while for others, it may take several days for the steroid to begin working. Higher doses of the epidural steroid injection are sometimes administered, depending on the severity of your condition. However, providers limit people to certain doses to avoid potential side effects such as a severe headache or discomfort from nearby muscles.

Post-Injection Care and Recovery

After receiving an epidural injection, you may feel lightheaded or dizzy for a short period. These effects are typically mild and go away after a few hours. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions carefully regarding rest and physical activity. Avoid intense exercise or heavy lifting for at least 24 hours after the procedure, even if you are feeling better. This helps minimize strain on the epidural space and the injected area.

The Importance of Activity Restrictions

While it’s tempting to resume normal activities quickly, especially when you start feeling better, it’s important to follow your doctor’s advice to ensure a smooth recovery. For example, refrain from driving for at least 12 hours after your epidural injection, and avoid applying heat directly to the injection site for at least three days. Applying heat can increase inflammation, potentially interfering with the effectiveness of the epidural steroid.

Taking it easy for the first few days post-injection is essential, but mild movement, like a short walk, can help improve circulation and prevent stiffness. This light movement is recommended as long as you don’t push yourself too hard and avoid placing undue stress on the back and spine.

Understanding Side Effects and Risks

Most patients experience mild side effects after receiving an epidural injection, such as a temporary increase in pain or soreness at the injection site. These effects typically resolve within a few hours or days. However, some patients may experience more severe reactions, such as a severe headache or numbness in the legs. If this occurs, contact your doctor immediately for further guidance.

Although rare, some complications may arise, such as infections or nerve damage, which could lead to long-term issues. Always follow your doctor’s advice to minimize these risks, and report any unusual symptoms promptly. The use of local anesthetics and anti-inflammatory medicine is essential to help reduce these risks and improve recovery.

How Long Does Pain Relief Last?

The duration of pain relief from an epidural injection varies from patient to patient. Some people may experience lasting relief for several months, while others may require additional treatments if pain recurs. For patients with chronic back pain, an epidural injection may offer a longer period of relief, helping to reduce inflammation around the spinal cord and nerve roots.

Steroid injections are often combined with other pain management strategies, such as physical therapy or anti-inflammatory medications, to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. It is important to remember that while an epidural can provide significant relief, it is not a permanent cure for all types of spine pain.

Returning to Normal Activities

After the initial 24-hour rest period, you may return to normal daily activities, provided you are feeling up to it. However, it’s important to listen to your body and avoid overexertion. Some people find that their symptoms begin to improve after just a few days, while others may need additional injections or treatments. Your doctor will monitor your progress and may recommend additional procedures or therapies based on your recovery.

For more significant pain, especially related to conditions like a bulging disc or nerve root damage, more aggressive treatments, including types of surgery, may be considered.

Final Thoughts on Epidural Recovery

Recovering from an epidural steroid injection is an individualized process. The goal is to reduce inflammation around the epidural space and provide pain relief. Most people experience significant improvements within a few days, but it is important to be mindful of your body’s response and follow your doctor’s instructions.

If you have any questions about your recovery or experience increased pain or discomfort, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. They will provide further guidance on how to best care for your back pain and help determine the next steps for managing your condition.

Ask Your Doctor

Don’t just take this information as a given. Everyone is different, so you should always be sure to confirm this information with your doctor. Post-injection recovery instructions can vary, and your doctor will consider your health history and the type and location of the epidural. Follow your doctor’s instructions for recovery, and you should heal quickly.

At New York Spine Specialist, we treat patients for acute and chronic pain after an auto accident and work-related injury. If you are experiencing pain, contact us today at (516) 355-0111 or request an appointment. We are here to help and offer the right treatment for your condition.

[1] Lutz, GE, et al: Fluoroscopic transforaminal lumbar epidural steroids: an outcome study. Arch. Phys Med Rehab, Nov. 1998, Vol 79(11), pp. 1362-6. Using analysis of prospective randomized study comparing transforaminal lumbar epidural injection with lumbar paraspinal trigger-point injection for treatment of patients with sciatica from herniated discs.