About Epidural Steroid Injections
Key Highlights
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Provides targeted, potent relief from nerve inflammation and radicular pain.Minimally invasive procedure with no surgical incision required.Performed under local anesthesia, allowing for a quicker recovery than surgery.Image-guided (fluoroscopy) for precise and safe delivery of medication.Can help patients resume daily activities and participate in physical therapy more comfortably.Often used as a diagnostic tool to confirm the source of pain./ul
Who is this surgery for?
- Persistent pain, numbness, or weakness radiating from the spine into an arm or leg (radiculopathy).
- Herniated or bulging spinal discs causing nerve root compression.
- Spinal stenosis (narrowing of the spinal canal) leading to nerve pressure.
- Degenerative disc disease with associated nerve irritation.
- Sciatica (pain radiating along the sciatic nerve).
- Failed conservative treatments like physical therapy, medications, or rest.
- To help manage pain as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
How to prepare
- Inform your neurologist about all medications, especially blood thinners (e.g., aspirin, warfarin, clopidogrel), which may need to be paused.
- Disclose any allergies, particularly to corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or contrast dye.
- Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, suspect you might be, or have an active infection.
- You may be asked to fast (no food or drink) for a few hours before the procedure.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home afterward, as sedation may be used.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing to your appointment.
Risks & possible complications
- Temporary increase in pain, headache, or flushing after the injection.
- Infection at the injection site (rare).
- Bleeding or nerve damage (very rare).
- Allergic reaction to the medication or contrast dye.
- Dural puncture, which can lead to a spinal headache.
- Temporary elevation of blood sugar levels, especially in diabetic patients.
- Weakening of nearby tendons or ligaments with repeated, frequent injections.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Rest for the first 24 hours; avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, or bending.
- You may apply ice to the injection site if there is minor soreness.
- Pain relief may begin within a few days and can last for several weeks to months.
- Resume normal activities gradually as comfort allows, typically within 1-2 days.
- Attend any recommended follow-up appointments with your neurologist.
- Continue with prescribed physical therapy or exercises to address the underlying cause of pain.
- Contact your doctor immediately if you develop a severe headache, fever, chills, or worsening neurological symptoms.
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Typical hospital stay: 0 days (Outpatient procedure)
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Expected recovery time: 1-2 days for normal activity, with full therapeutic effect over 1-2 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering epidural steroid injections in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for epidural steroid injections in India include KMC Hospital Mangalore, Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Manipal Hospital Malleshwaram, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform epidural steroid injections. MediFyr helps you compare neurologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for epidural steroid injections compare across other countries where we have data.
| Country | Estimated cost range | Typical stay | Recovery time | View details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| India | INR 8 Thousand – 25 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-2 days for normal activity, with full therapeutic effect over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
| Turkey | TRY 28 Thousand – 87.5 Thousand | 0 days (Outpatient procedure) | ~ 1-2 days for normal activity, with full therapeutic effect over 1-2 weeks | Know More |
Top hospitals for Epidural Steroid Injections in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated neurology teams and experience managing patients undergoing epidural steroid injections.
Robert Miller, a 58-year-old construction foreman,...
Robert Miller, a 58-year-old construction foreman, had been battling chronic lower back pain for over a decade, a legacy of his physically demanding job. The pain had recently sharpened and shot down his right leg, causing numbness in his foot and making it agonizing to stand for more than 20 minutes. He was terrified he'd have to retire early. His neurologist, after reviewing an MRI showing a herniated disc pressing on a nerve root, recommended an epidural steroid injection to reduce the inflammation and 'calm the nerve down.' Robert was anxious about the needle but desperate for relief. During the procedure, guided by X-ray, he felt pressure and a brief, strange sensation down his leg. The first week was up and down, but by week two, the sharp, shooting leg pain was 70% gone. He could stand long enough to coach his grandson's little league game again. Emotionally, he moved from a place of fear and resignation to one of cautious hope and regained a sense of purpose, feeling like he got a piece of his life back.
Neurologists for Epidural Steroid Injections
Explore experienced neurologists who regularly perform epidural steroid injections and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 18 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 46 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 26 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 9 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 5 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 3 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 11 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 7 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 19 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 15 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 14 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 13 Years Experience
- Neurologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida