How frequently can epidural steroid injections be performed?

There is no definitive research to dictate the frequency of how often a patient should have epidural steroid injections for low back pain and/or leg pain. In general, it is considered reasonable to perform up to three epidural injections per year.

Epidural steroid injection timing varies

Typically, epidural steroid injections are done in two-week intervals. However, there is no general consensus in the medical community as to whether or not a series of three injections need always be performed. If one or two injections lessen the patient’s low back pain and/or leg pain, some physicians prefer to save the third epidural steroid injection for any potential recurrences of back pain later in the twelve-month period.

• Article written By:
• Rick Staehler, MD

August 4, 2000

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