Sciatica pain — that sharp, radiating discomfort running from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg — can make everyday movement feel impossible. When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication aren’t enough, an epidural steroid injection is often one of the most effective next steps for lasting relief.
What Causes Sciatica?
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve — the longest nerve in the body — becomes compressed or irritated, often due to a herniated disc, spinal stenosis, or radiculopathy. The result is pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness that can travel from the lower back all the way down to the foot.
How Epidural Steroid Injections Work
An epidural steroid injection delivers anti-inflammatory medication directly into the epidural space surrounding the compressed nerve root. This targeted approach reduces inflammation and swelling around the irritated nerve, which in turn relieves pressure and pain signals.
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What to expect during the procedure:
- You’ll lie face-down while the treatment area is cleaned and numbed
- Using image guidance (typically fluoroscopy), your physician precisely locates the epidural space near the affected nerve
- A combination of steroid medication and local anesthetic is injected
- The full procedure typically takes 15–30 minutes and is performed on an outpatient basis
How Long Does Relief Last?
Relief timelines vary by patient, but many people notice reduced inflammation within a few days, with peak pain relief typically occurring one to two weeks after the injection. For many patients, relief lasts anywhere from a few weeks to several months — enough time to make meaningful progress in physical therapy and address the underlying cause of the sciatica. Some patients benefit from a series of injections spaced several weeks apart for more sustained relief.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Epidural steroid injections are typically recommended for patients who:
- Have sciatica pain that hasn’t responded to physical therapy or medication
- Want to avoid or delay surgery
- Need short-term relief to actively participate in rehabilitation
- Have confirmed nerve compression from imaging (MRI or CT)
Pain holding you back from daily life?
Get a personalized treatment plan in the same week.
Is It Right for You?
While epidural injections are highly effective for many patients, they’re one part of a broader treatment plan. TeamMD’s pain management specialists often pair injections with complementary treatments like nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation for patients who need longer-term relief.
At TeamMD, our board-certified pain management physicians use precision image guidance to deliver epidural injections safely and effectively, as part of a personalized plan to treat the root cause of your sciatica.
Tired of living with sciatica pain? Book an appointment with TeamMD to find out if an epidural steroid injection is right for you.
