How Long Should You Rest After an Epidural Injection?

Getting an epidural steroid injection is a proactive step toward managing your pain, but the procedure itself is only the first part of the process. Your recovery period is where the real healing happens. It can be frustrating to feel like you’re on the sidelines, but try to reframe this downtime as a crucial investment in your long-term well-being. The key to protecting that investment is knowing exactly how long you should rest after epidural steroid injection. This isn't just about avoiding strain; it's about creating the ideal environment for the medication to reduce inflammation effectively. This guide will break down what to expect, activities to avoid, and how to support your body’s healing process for the best possible results.

Key Takeaways

• Rest is a Non-Negotiable First Step

  : Your most important job in the first 24-48 hours is to rest. This downtime is essential for the steroid to reduce inflammation effectively and gives your body the best chance to heal, leading to more significant and lasting pain relief.

• Modify Your Movements to Protect the Area

  : For the first week, avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and excessive bending or twisting. You should also skip driving for 24 hours and stick to showers instead of baths to prevent strain and reduce the risk of infection at the injection site.

• Understand the Healing Timeline and Warning Signs

  : It can take up to a week to feel the full benefits, and a temporary pain increase is normal. However, contact your doctor right away if you experience severe pain, signs of infection like a fever, or any new or worsening numbness or weakness.

What Is an Epidural Steroid Injection? (And Why Rest Is Key)

If you're dealing with persistent back, neck, or leg pain, your doctor might recommend an epidural steroid injection. This is a common and effective treatment designed to give you significant relief, but it’s not just about the procedure itself. What you do after the injection is just as important for a successful outcome.

The goal of an epidural steroid injection is to calm down inflammation and give your body a chance to heal. Think of it as hitting the reset button on your pain cycle. But for that reset to stick, you need to give it the right conditions—and that starts with proper rest. Understanding how the injection works and why your body needs downtime is the first step toward getting back to the life you love, with less pain holding you back. Let's walk through what the injection does and why taking it easy afterward is non-negotiable for your recovery.

How the Injection Works

So, what exactly happens during this procedure? An epidural steroid injection delivers a combination of a steroid (a strong anti-inflammatory) and an anesthetic (for numbing) directly into the epidural space in your spine. This is the area surrounding your spinal cord and nerve roots. By placing the medication right at the source of the inflammation, we can provide targeted relief that oral medications often can't match.

This treatment is particularly helpful for conditions where spinal nerves are getting pinched or irritated, like with a herniated disc or spinal stenosis. The steroid works to reduce the swelling around these nerves, which in turn eases your pain. For many people, especially those with a recent disc issue who respond well, this can lead to long-term, and sometimes even permanent, relief.

Give Your Body Time to Heal

After the injection, it’s tempting to jump right back into your routine, especially if you feel some immediate relief from the anesthetic. But this is where patience becomes your best friend. Resting allows the steroid medication to really settle in and do its job of reducing inflammation. It gives your body the dedicated time it needs to heal the irritated area without the stress of daily activities.

If you don't rest enough, you risk slowing down the healing process, and the injection might not be as effective. Everyone’s recovery looks a little different; how much rest you’ll need depends on your overall health, how severe your pain was, and how your body responds to the treatment. That's why we focus on customized care plans to guide you through a recovery that’s right for you.

Your Recovery Timeline: How Long to Rest

After your epidural steroid injection, you’re probably eager to know when you can get back to your life. While the goal is to return to your routine with less pain, the key to a successful outcome is giving your body the time it needs to heal properly. Think of the recovery period as an essential part of the treatment itself. Pushing yourself too soon can interfere with the medication’s effectiveness and even set back your progress.

Every person’s recovery journey is unique, but there are some general guidelines that can help you plan. Your timeline will depend on several factors, including your overall health, the reason for your injection, and the type of work you do. The most important thing you can do is listen to your body and follow the specific instructions from your care team. We’ll walk through what you can generally expect in the first few days and how to plan for a smooth and safe return to your daily activities.

The First 48 Hours: Your Most Important Rest Period

The first 24 to 48 hours after your injection are the most critical for your recovery. During this time, your main job is to rest and take it easy. This allows the steroid medication to spread effectively through the epidural space and begin reducing inflammation around the nerve roots. It also gives the injection site a chance to heal without added stress.

You should plan to avoid strenuous activity, which includes things like intense exercise, heavy lifting, and excessive bending or twisting. Even if you start to feel better right away due to the local anesthetic, it’s important to remember that your body is still healing. Give yourself permission to relax on the couch, catch up on reading, and let others handle the heavy lifting for a couple of days.

What Can Influence Your Recovery Time?

While we can provide a general timeline, your personal recovery process is unique to you. Several factors can influence how quickly you bounce back after an epidural steroid injection. Your overall health plays a big role—if you’re generally healthy, you may recover more quickly. The severity of your pain and the specific condition being treated also affect your timeline.

Your body’s individual response to the treatment is another key factor. Some people feel significant relief within a few days, while for others, it may take a week or more for the full effects of the steroid to kick in. At Releviimed, we understand that no two patients are the same, which is why we focus on customized care tailored to your specific needs and health profile.

Planning Your Return to Work

One of the most common questions we hear is, "When can I go back to work?" For many people, especially those with desk jobs or light duties, returning to work is possible within one to three days. Some patients even feel ready to go back the very next day.

However, if your job is physically demanding and requires lifting, bending, or prolonged standing, you’ll likely need more time to rest. It’s best to discuss your job duties with your doctor before your procedure so you can make arrangements and plan for adequate time off. Being open about your daily work activities will help us give you the most accurate and safest recommendation for your return.

Activities to Avoid After Your Injection

After your epidural steroid injection, what you don’t do is just as important as what you do. The goal is to let the medication work its magic and give your body the space it needs to heal properly. Pushing yourself too soon can interfere with the injection’s effectiveness and slow down your recovery. By avoiding a few specific activities, you set yourself up for the best possible outcome and a smoother path to pain relief. Think of this as a short-term investment for long-term comfort.

Pause Strenuous Exercise and Heavy Lifting

This is not the time to hit the gym or tackle a big home improvement project. For the first 24 hours, your main job is to rest. Try to relax in a comfortable, reclined position and limit walking or sitting to short 15- to 20-minute intervals. For the first week, it’s a good idea to avoid lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk (about 8-10 pounds). This gives the medication time to settle into the targeted area and reduces the risk of straining your back, which could counteract the benefits of the injection.

Guidelines for Driving and Using Machinery

For your safety and the safety of others, you should not drive for at least 24 hours after your procedure. The local anesthetic used during the injection can cause temporary numbness or weakness in your legs, which can affect your ability to control a vehicle. It’s essential to arrange for someone to drive you home from your appointment. This rule also applies to operating any other type of heavy machinery. Give your body a full day to process the medication before you get back behind the wheel.

Limit Bending, Twisting, and Sudden Movements

For the first week, be mindful of how you move. Try to avoid excessive bending at the waist, twisting your spine, reaching overhead, or making any sudden, jarring movements. These actions can put unnecessary pressure on the injection site and irritate the nerves that are beginning to heal. When you need to pick something up, bend with your knees instead of your back. When getting out of bed, roll onto your side first and use your arms to push yourself up. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your recovery.

Avoid Baths and Heat on the Injection Site

While a warm bath might sound relaxing, you’ll need to stick to showers for the first few days. Soaking in a tub, hot tub, or pool can increase the risk of infection at the injection site. You should also avoid applying heat, such as from a heating pad, to the area for at least 72 hours. Heat can increase inflammation, which is the opposite of what we want. If you’re experiencing soreness, an ice pack is your best friend. Apply ice to the area for 15-20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and discomfort.

What to Expect During Your Recovery

After your epidural steroid injection, the recovery process begins. It’s helpful to remember that everyone’s body responds a little differently, so your experience will be unique to you. The main goal is to give the medication time to work and your body time to heal. In the first few days, you might feel a mix of sensations, from soreness at the injection site to a temporary change in your usual pain levels.

Knowing what’s typical can help you rest easier and focus on your recovery. We’ll walk through the common symptoms you might experience, why your pain could briefly feel worse before it gets better, and the general timeline for when you can expect to feel relief. Most importantly, we’ll cover the specific signs that mean you should reach out to your doctor. Being informed is the best way to partner with your body as it heals, so you can get back to feeling more like yourself.

Normal Symptoms vs. When to Be Concerned

It’s completely normal to have some mild soreness or tenderness at the injection site for a day or two. Think of it like the feeling after a flu shot—it’s a sign your body is responding to the procedure and it should fade quickly. However, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms that fall outside of this normal range.

You should be concerned if you experience severe pain that doesn’t get better with rest and your prescribed medication. Other warning signs include any indication of infection, such as a fever, or significant redness, warmth, and swelling around the injection site. These symptoms are not typical and require medical attention. If you notice any of them, please contact our office right away.

Why Your Pain Might Temporarily Increase

It might sound counterintuitive, but don’t be alarmed if your pain seems to flare up for a few days after your injection. This is a common experience and doesn’t mean the treatment isn’t working. This temporary increase in pain can happen because the injection itself introduces fluid into a sensitive area, which can cause some initial irritation before the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid kick in.

Think of it as a two-step process: first, your body reacts to the injection, and second, the medication starts to calm the inflammation causing your pain. This brief period of increased discomfort usually subsides within a few days as the steroid begins its work. Our team is experienced with a wide range of pain treatments and understands this is a normal part of the healing process for many patients.

When You Can Expect to Feel Relief

Patience is key when waiting for the full benefits of your epidural steroid injection. While some people might feel a bit of immediate relief from the local anesthetic used during the procedure, this effect is temporary. The real, lasting relief from the steroid medication takes a little longer to develop.

For most people, pain relief typically begins within a few days to one week after the injection. The steroid needs time to reduce the inflammation around the nerve roots, which is the source of your pain. In some cases, it might take a bit longer, but you should notice a significant improvement within the first week or so. This treatment is effective for many of the pain conditions we see, from back and neck pain to leg pain.

When to Call Your Doctor

Your health and safety are our top priorities, so we want you to feel confident about when to reach out for help. You should call your doctor immediately if your pain becomes severe and unmanageable or if you see any signs of infection, like a fever or spreading redness at the injection site.

Additionally, get in touch with us if you experience any unusual or concerning symptoms, such as a severe headache that doesn’t go away, or new or worsening numbness or weakness in your arms or legs. These symptoms are rare but require prompt evaluation. Never hesitate to call if you have questions or if something just doesn’t feel right. We are here to support you, and you can always find our information on the contact page.

How to Support Your Recovery at Home

Your recovery doesn’t stop when you leave our clinic. The steps you take at home are crucial for getting the best possible results from your epidural steroid injection. Think of it as teamwork—we provide the treatment, and you create the ideal environment for your body to heal. By following a few simple guidelines, you can manage discomfort, prevent setbacks, and get back to your life more smoothly. Here’s how you can support your recovery process right from the comfort of your own home.

Manage Discomfort with Ice and Medication

It’s completely normal to feel some mild soreness at the injection site for a day or two. Your go-to tool for this is an ice pack. Apply it to the area for about 20 minutes at a time to help reduce swelling and discomfort. One important tip: avoid using a heating pad or taking a hot bath for at least the first three days, as heat can increase inflammation. If you need extra relief, over-the-counter pain relievers can be helpful, but it's always a good idea to follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your doctor. Listening to your body is the first step toward a smooth recovery.

Incorporate Gentle Walking and Safe Movement

While rest is essential, you don’t want to be completely sedentary. After an initial rest period, gentle walking is a great way to keep your muscles from getting too stiff and to promote blood flow, which aids healing. The key word here is gentle. For at least the first week, you’ll want to avoid any strenuous activities. This means no heavy lifting, bending, or twisting. Think about your daily movements and try to avoid activities that involve a lot of reaching, climbing, or crawling. Taking it easy now will pay off later by preventing you from accidentally re-injuring the area and disrupting the healing process.

Set Up a Comfortable Space for Rest

Creating a comfortable space for yourself is one of the best things you can do after your procedure. For the first 24 hours, try to relax in a reclined position as much as possible. When it’s time to sleep, your position matters. Lying on your stomach can strain your back, so it’s best to avoid it. Instead, try sleeping on your back with a pillow propped under your knees to support the natural curve of your spine. If you’re a side sleeper, place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned. These small adjustments can make a big difference in your comfort and help you get the quality rest your body needs to heal effectively.

Support Healing with Good Nutrition and Hydration

Don’t underestimate the power of good nutrition and hydration in your recovery. Drinking plenty of water is especially important. Staying hydrated helps your body’s natural healing processes work efficiently and can even reduce the chance of developing a post-procedure headache. While you don’t need to follow a special diet, focusing on nutritious foods gives your body the fuel it needs to repair tissue and reduce inflammation. Think of water and healthy meals as essential parts of your recovery toolkit. Proper nutrition and hydration are simple yet powerful ways to support your body from the inside out as it heals.

How to Safely Return to Your Routine

Getting back to your life after an epidural steroid injection is the ultimate goal, but it’s a process that truly requires patience. It’s tempting to jump right back into your routine the moment you feel a bit of relief, but pushing yourself too hard, too soon can unfortunately set back your recovery. The key is to listen to your body and reintroduce activities in a slow, deliberate way. Think of the first week as a critical window for healing, where rest allows the medication to work its magic. This initial downtime isn't just about avoiding strain; it's an active and essential part of your treatment. It gives the powerful anti-inflammatory medication the best possible environment to reduce the swelling and irritation around the nerves that are causing your pain. It can be mentally tough to feel like you're on the sidelines, especially when you're so eager to feel better and get back to normal. But try to reframe this rest period as a strategic step toward lasting relief. By following a structured, gentle approach, you become a partner in your own healing, supporting your body’s recovery process and paving the way for a safer, more sustainable return to the activities you love. This is your time to heal, so give yourself the grace and space to do it right.

Your Week-by-Week Guide to Resuming Activities

The first 24 to 48 hours after your injection are all about one thing: rest. This is your most important healing period, so clear your schedule and prioritize taking it easy. You should avoid any strenuous activities, which includes things like running, intense workouts, and lifting anything heavy. It’s also important to limit excessive bending or twisting motions that could strain your back. After this initial rest phase, you can begin to slowly reintroduce light activities. A short, gentle walk around your neighborhood is a perfect way to get your body moving again without putting stress on the injection site. For the remainder of that first week, continue to hold off on any intense exercise. Your body is still in the primary stages of healing, and giving it this time is essential for a successful outcome.

Introduce Safe Exercises and Stretches

Around one week after your injection, you can typically begin incorporating gentle movement and stretching back into your daily routine. This is an excellent time to connect with a physical therapist, who can create a personalized plan tailored to your specific needs and condition. The focus should be on slow, controlled stretches that don't cause any new or worsening pain. The goal here is to gently improve your flexibility and encourage blood flow to the area, not to push your body to its limits. If you feel any sharp or increasing pain, that’s a clear signal from your body to stop and rest. Remember, these initial exercises are just one part of a broader strategy for long-term pain management, so there’s absolutely no need to rush the process.

Plan for Long-Term Success and Follow-Up Care

It’s important to know that some people experience a temporary increase in pain for a few days right after the injection. This can be disheartening, but it's a normal reaction as the initial anesthetic wears off and before the steroid medication fully kicks in. This discomfort usually subsides on its own. However, if your pain hasn't started to improve after about a week, it’s time to check in with your doctor. Open communication is crucial for your long-term success. Your follow-up appointment is the perfect opportunity to discuss how you’re feeling, the effectiveness of the injection, and what the next steps in your care plan should be. Never hesitate to contact our team with any questions or concerns that come up during your recovery—we're here to support you.

Related Articles

• Your Guide to the Best Position to Sleep After Epidural

• How Long Does an Epidural Injection Last? What to Expect

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will the pain relief from the injection last? This is a great question, and the answer is unique to each person. For some, an injection can provide relief for several months, while for others, it can last much longer. The goal is to significantly reduce your pain so you can engage in physical therapy and other activities that strengthen your body for long-term health. How well you rest and follow post-procedure care plays a big part in the success of the treatment.

Is it normal for my pain to feel worse for a few days after the injection? Yes, it can be. While it feels counterintuitive, a temporary spike in pain, often called a "steroid flare," is a common experience. This happens because the fluid from the injection can cause some initial irritation before the powerful anti-inflammatory effects of the steroid begin to work. This discomfort is usually mild and should fade within a couple of days as the medication starts to calm the inflammation.

Why can't I use a heating pad if the injection site is sore? The purpose of the steroid is to reduce inflammation, and heat does the opposite by drawing more blood and swelling to the area. Using a heating pad can work against the medication and interfere with your healing. An ice pack is a much better choice for the first few days, as it helps numb the soreness and supports the steroid's job of reducing inflammation.

Do I really have to rest if I feel fine right after the procedure? Absolutely. The immediate relief you might feel is from the local anesthetic mixed in with the steroid, and it will wear off within a few hours. The real healing happens when the steroid medication has time to settle into the inflamed area and do its work. Pushing yourself too soon can disrupt this process and limit the effectiveness of the injection, so giving your body that initial downtime is essential.

When is it safe to start physical therapy or other exercises? You should focus on rest and very light activity, like short walks, for the first week. After that, you can typically begin to incorporate gentle stretches and exercises as guided by your doctor or physical therapist. This is a great time to start physical therapy, as your pain will be reduced enough to perform the movements that will help you build strength and prevent future issues. Always listen to your body and stop if you feel any sharp pain.