How effective is epidural steroid injection for sciatica?

Sciatica involves irritation of a nerve in the lower back, often producing pain that travels through the buttock and leg. An epidural injection places anti-inflammatory medicine near the affected nerve. When inflammation is a major part of the problem, reduced pain may make walking, sleeping and physiotherapy easier.

It is not a reset button for the spine. It may not help pain from a different source, and tingling, numbness or weakness can recover more slowly than pain. The clinician considers the examination, symptom pattern and imaging before recommending the procedure.

Before the injection, report blood thinners, diabetes, infection, allergies and previous reactions. Ask about transport and temporary activity restrictions. Afterward, follow the instructions, keep moving within comfort and use any pain reduction to build the strength and flexibility plan recommended by your physiotherapist or doctor. Track pain, walking tolerance, sensation and strength.

Seek emergency help for loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, rapidly worsening leg weakness or new difficulty walking. Contact the treatment service for fever, severe headache, increasing back pain, or redness and drainage where the injection was given. Any sudden neurological change warrants prompt attention.

Ask what is causing your sciatica, which symptom the injection is meant to improve, how activity will progress, and what would prompt imaging or a different treatment.