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.
What to know about pain relief
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.
Tips for recovery
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.
When to call your healthcare provider
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
Online Medical Reviewer: Jimmy Moe MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Maryann Foley RN BSN
Online Medical Reviewer: Ronald Karlin MD
Date Last Reviewed: 10/01/2024
© 2000-2025 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
Find the right provider to meet your needs
From primary care to specialty services and more.
Find a Doctor
Call for an Appointment
Offering personalized care at more than 20 clinics across three cities and two states.
Call NowRelated Articles
After Total Hip Replacement: Recovering at Home
A total hip replacement is major surgery, so don't be surprised if it takes a few months before you feel really good.
Transfers After Leg Amputation
After your amputation, you will need to learn how to transfer safely.
AC Joint Sprain (Adult)
With an AC joint sprain, the ligaments that hold the collarbone to the shoulder blade may be partly or fully torn. In both cases this causes pain and swelling at the end of the collarbone.
Headache After Spinal Tap (No Patch)
If there is a loss of too much spinal fluid from a leak at the puncture site after a spinal tap, the spinal fluid pressure goes down and a headache occurs. This headache may be mild or severe. There may also be dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. Here's what you need to know.