Spinal injections are procedures to deliver steroid and local anaesthetic medication to specific areas around the spine, aiming to reduce pain and inflammation. Common types include epidural injections, nerve root blocks, and facet joint injections.
Using X-ray or ultrasound guidance, a needle is positioned precisely at the target — the epidural space, a specific nerve root, or a facet joint. A mixture of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic is injected. The procedure takes 15–30 minutes and is usually performed as a day case. You will be awake throughout but may receive light sedation.
Spinal injections may be recommended for sciatica from a disc herniation (epidural or nerve root block), spinal stenosis symptoms, facet joint pain, or as a diagnostic test to identify the source of pain.
Oral pain medication, physiotherapy, activity modification, and time. Surgery may be an alternative for persistent nerve compression.
Inform your team about any blood-thinning medication — this may need to be stopped before the procedure. You do not usually need to fast. Arrange transport home.
Injections can provide significant pain relief, often lasting weeks to months. They do not cure the underlying condition but may reduce symptoms enough to allow effective rehabilitation. The response varies — some patients experience excellent relief, others modest or no improvement.
Symptoms may flare for a few days after the injection before improving.
Not all patients respond to spinal injections.
Some patients experience facial redness and warmth for a few days.
Diabetic patients may notice temporary increase in blood glucose levels.
Infection at the injection site or within the spinal canal. Very rare but serious.
Very rare injury to nerve roots.
Accidental puncture of the dural membrane causing headache.
Epidural haematoma. Very rare but potentially serious.
Rare reaction to the injected medication.
Local anaesthetic is used to numb the skin. Light sedation may be offered. General anaesthesia is not required.
You may feel slightly numb or weak in the legs for a few hours after an epidural injection. Avoid driving for 24 hours. Rest on the day of the procedure. Resume normal activities the following day. The steroid typically takes effect over two to seven days.
Follow-up depends on the response. If the injection provides significant relief, it may be repeated if symptoms recur. If it provides little relief, other treatment options will be discussed.
Response varies widely. Some patients experience weeks to months of relief; others may have minimal benefit. Injections can be repeated if effective.
There is no strict limit, but most clinicians recommend no more than three to four steroid injections per year to the same area, to avoid potential side effects of repeated steroid use.
You will feel a sting from the local anaesthetic and some pressure during the procedure. Most patients tolerate it well.