All About Back Pain Shots: What to Know About Steroids, Epidurals & Nerve Blocks

Back pain is one of the most common reasons people visit a doctor, and when it becomes persistent, many look for fast-acting relief. Shots for back pain are often recommended when physical therapy and medications aren’t enough.

These injections—whether steroid shots, epidural injections, or nerve block injections—can offer relief, but they come with considerations. This guide explores the different types of back pain shots, their effectiveness, potential side effects, and alternatives for comprehensive pain management.

What Are Shots for Back Pain?

Shots for pain in the back are medical injections designed to reduce inflammation, block nerve signals, or relieve muscle tension. They are typically used for:

• Herniated discs or sciatica causing nerve pain.

• Spinal stenosis leading to chronic discomfort.

• Arthritis-related back pain or joint inflammation.

• Muscle pain or trigger points that don’t respond to therapy.

While some people experience significant relief, others find that injections provide only temporary benefits.

Types of Back Pain Shots

Steroid Shot for Back Pain

A steroid shot for back pain (also called a corticosteroid injection) helps reduce inflammation in the spine. It is often recommended for:

• Herniated discs that compress nerves.

• Spinal arthritis causing chronic pain.

• Inflamed nerve roots leading to sciatica.

The relief from a steroid shot varies—some experience months of reduced pain, while others find relief only lasts a few weeks. These injections are not a permanent solution and may be limited to a few per year to avoid long-term side effects.

Epidural Shot for Back Pain

An epidural shot for back pain delivers steroids directly into the epidural space of the spine. This is commonly used for conditions involving nerve compression, like:

• Sciatica, where nerve pain radiates down the leg.

• Spinal stenosis, a narrowing of the spinal canal.

• Chronic lower back pain linked to disc degeneration.

These injections can be effective, but results vary—some people feel relief for months, while others may not benefit at all.

Nerve Block Injection for Back Pain

A nerve block injection works differently than steroid injections. Instead of reducing inflammation, it numbs a specific nerve or nerve group to block pain signals. It may be recommended for:

• Pinched nerves causing shooting pain.

• Chronic nerve pain syndromes like neuropathy.

• Surgical pain management when other treatments fail.

Because nerve block injections provide temporary relief, they are sometimes used as a diagnostic tool to determine the exact source of pain before considering surgery or other treatments.

Other Injections: Facet Joint & Trigger Point Injections

• Facet joint injections target small spinal joints to relieve stiffness and arthritis-related pain.

• Trigger point injections focus on muscle knots that cause localized pain, often in the lower back and shoulders.

Side Effects of Back Pain Shots

Common Side Effects of Steroid Shots for Back Pain

While steroid shots for back pain can be effective, they are not without risks. Some common side effects include:

• Temporary injection site pain or swelling.

• Increased blood sugar levels (especially in diabetics).

• Flushing or skin redness lasting a few days.

• Insomnia or mood changes in some cases.

Risks of Epidural Shots for Back Pain

Although epidural shots for back pain are generally safe, potential risks include:

• Headaches caused by spinal fluid leakage.

• Infections at the injection site.

• Nerve damage (though rare).

• Temporary bladder or bowel control issues.

Side Effects of Nerve Block Injections

Since nerve block injections target nerves directly, they can cause:

• Temporary numbness or weakness in the injected area.

• Allergic reactions to anesthetics.

• Dizziness or low blood pressure if the medication spreads.

Alternatives to Back Pain Injections

Since back pain injections offer temporary relief, many people explore non-invasive alternatives that work without medication or side effects.

Some of the most effective options include:

• Physical therapy to improve posture and strengthen muscles.

• Acupuncture for natural pain relief.

• Mind-body techniques like hypnosis can help retrain the brain's pain response.

Hypnosis for pain relief is increasingly recognized as a powerful tool for managing chronic pain naturally. As part of a comprehensive pain management plan, hypnosis can work alongside other treatments to provide lasting relief.

The Reveri hypnosis app provides guided self-hypnosis sessions that help reduce pain perception, offering a medication-free alternative that you can use anywhere, anytime.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What Kind of Shot Is Given for Back Pain?

  The most common injections for back pain include steroid shots, epidural injections, and nerve blocks. The choice depends on the cause of pain.

• What Does a Toradol Shot Do for Back Pain?

  A Toradol (ketorolac) injection is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that provides short-term pain relief without steroids.

• Do Back Shots Help with Back Pain?

  Injections can provide relief, but their effectiveness varies. Some people experience long-term benefits, while others find relief is only temporary.

• What Are Trigger Shots for Back Pain?

  Trigger point injections help relieve muscle-related back pain by injecting anesthetics or steroids into painful knots (trigger points).

If you're looking for a natural way to manage back pain, consider trying hypnosis for pain relief with the Reveri hypnosis app. It's a clinically backed, medication-free approach that you can use in minutes—wherever you are.