Can Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injections Take Longer Than a Week to Work?

[Anonymous]

I’m a week out and my nerve pain is intermittently “muted.” Maybe this is as good as it will get?

[Anonymous]

Prior to my back surgery, I had several rounds of epidurals over the years. Typically, I’d have an exacerbation of the pain for 3-4 days before seeing improvement. You may need a second set.
I have gone (hopefully not anymore since I had surgery on March 7) for several years to see Dr Dan Kendall at National Spine and Pain in Mclean. He’s the best and the only doctor I trusted for ESIs.

[Anonymous]

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

I did three and they were kind of mixed. Ultimately I had surgery. I wouldn’t stress about it, nerves are really slow and weird. It can take a long time for any changes to “show up” in your pain level.

[Anonymous]

Just have surgery.

[Anonymous]

I will disagree with that. I was able to successfully get a few series a year and hold off on back surgery for almost 10 years and I am very active (play tennis, pickleball, long walks). Now, if they don't work, different story, but if you can get relief from them, hold off on the surgery.