Lumbar Epidural Injection: Recovery at Home

After a lumbar epidural injection, you don't need to stay in bed when you get home. In fact, it's best to walk around if you feel up to it. Just be careful about being too active. Even if you feel better right away, don't do activities that may strain your back. And follow up on all treatment with your healthcare provider.

Keep in mind that some people may feel more pain at first. It often goes away in a few days. You may also have headaches or trouble sleeping. But if these symptoms are bad, call your healthcare provider right away. These should also go away in a few days. In general:

• An injection to reduce inflammation takes a few days to work, sometimes even up to 1 week. There may even be more pain at first.
• An injection to help find the source of pain may give only brief pain relief. Later, you'll feel the same as you did before the injection.

Whether you were injected for pain relief or diagnosis, these tips will help you recover:

• Take walks when you feel up to it.
• Rest if needed. But get up and move around after sitting for half an hour.
• Don't exercise vigorously.
• Don't drive the day of the procedure or until your healthcare provider says it's OK.
• Return to work or other activities when your healthcare provider says you're ready.

Call right away if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Severe pain or headache
• Loss of bladder or bowel control
• Fever of 100.4ºF (38ºC) or higher, or as directed by your provider
• Chills
• Redness or swelling around the injection site