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How Long Should You Rest After Epidural Steroid Injection?
After an epidural steroid injection, many people wonder how much rest is needed to recover fully. The right amount of rest can make a big difference in how well the treatment works. It’s important to give your body time to heal, but knowing exactly how much rest you need can be confusing. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about rest after epidural steroid injection
What’s the Recommended Rest Period After an Epidural Steroid Injection?
After an epidural steroid injection, you need to avoid lifting, bending, or twisting your body during the first few days. Here’s a simple timeline for rest after an epidural steroid injection for different conditions:
Condition | Rest and Activity Instructions |
Low Back Pain | Rest for 24 to 48 hours. After that, start walking gently. Avoid heavy lifting for at least a week. |
Sciatica | Rest for 48 hours. After that, walk carefully. Avoid sitting too long or twisting for at least a week. |
Neck Pain | Rest for 48 hours with your neck supported. After that, do light stretches. Avoid lifting or looking up for a week. |
Herniated Discs | Rest for 48 hours. After that, walk lightly. Avoid bending or lifting heavy objects for a week. |
Spinal Stenosis | Rest for 24 to 48 hours. After that, walk gently or stretch. Avoid bending forward or heavy lifting for a week. |
Arthritis Pain | Rest for 24 to 48 hours. After that, do light exercises. Avoid high-impact activities for a week. |
Radiculopathy | Rest for 48 hours. Start walking slowly. Avoid bending or lifting for a week. |
Chronic Injury | Rest for 24 to 48 hours. After that, start light activities like walking. Avoid intense movements for a week. |
Disc Herniation | Rest for 48 hours. Walk lightly after two days. Avoid lifting or bending for a week. |
Degenerative Disc Disease | Rest for 24 to 48 hours. After that, start walking. Avoid heavy lifting or twisting for a week. |
How Does Rest Affect Your Healing?
Rest after an epidural steroid injection is very important for healing. It helps your body focus on recovery. The injection reduces inflammation and pain, but rest makes this process work better. If you don’t rest enough, it can slow your healing and make the injection less effective. Proper rest gives your body the time it needs to adjust and heal, so you get the best results.
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Rest Tips After an Epidural Steroid Injection
Here are more helpful things to do for proper rest after your epidural steroid injection:
- Start walking gently after two days to keep your body moving.
- Get plenty of sleep to help your body heal.
- Apply ice for the first 48 hours, then use heat to relax muscles.
- Drink enough water to stay hydrated and support recovery.
- Change positions often to avoid staying in one spot too long.
- Try deep breathing to reduce stress and tension.
- Slowly return to your normal activities as you feel better.
Top Recovery Mistakes to Avoid After an Epidural Injection
Here are things not to do during recovery after an epidural steroid injection:
- Do not return to normal activities too soon, as it can slow down your healing.
- Do not ignore pain; if you experience pain, rest and contact your doctor if it continues.
- Do not skip your doctor’s instructions, as they are important for proper recovery.
- Do not skip rest, as it is essential for your body to heal properly.
- Do not lift heavy objects or do strenuous activities, as it can strain your body.
Let’s Recap
Rest after epidural steroid injection plays a critical role in your recovery. You should rest for 24 to 48 hours after the procedure and gradually increase your activity as you heal. Rest allows your body to adjust to the medication and helps reduce inflammation. Avoid common mistakes like returning to activities too soon or not following your doctor’s instructions. By getting enough rest and following recovery tips, you can improve the success of the injection and heal more quickly.
FAQs
How Soon Can I Return to Work After an Epidural Steroid Injection?
If your job involves light tasks, you can return after a few days. If your job requires physical effort, you may need more time to rest after epidural steroid injection.
What Activities Should I Avoid After an Epidural Injection?
Avoid heavy lifting, bending, twisting, and other activities that can strain your back or neck. These actions can interfere with your healing.
Is It Normal to Feel Pain Immediately After an Epidural Steroid Injection?
Some discomfort after the injection is normal. If the pain worsens or doesn’t improve, contact your healthcare provider for pain management Phoenix.
How Long Does It Take for an Epidural Steroid Injection to Start Working?
It may take a few days for the injection to begin working. Full relief might take a week or more.
Can I Drive After an Epidural Steroid Injection?
If you feel dizzy or lightheaded, avoid driving. Wait until you feel alert and safe to drive again.
Dr. James KellerShabrokh
Dr. James KellerShabrokh is a board-certified specialist in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, focusing on spine, joint, muscle, and nerve injuries. He combines rehabilitative care, minimally invasive procedures, and preventive strategies to restore function, improve mobility, and provide long-term pain relief.
