Epidural steroid injection is a technique done by combining a local anesthetic with a steroid. The procedure involves inserting a needle in the spine area, depending on the area of affectation. Spinal disorders are often found in the neck (cervical) area and the lower back (lumbar) area. Epidurals can be used as treatment for a herniated disc, stenosed spine and in degenerative disc disease. It can give immediate relief from pain and inflammation caused by impinged nerves in the epidural space.

However, relief from epidural steroid injections is only short-term. It may only last for six to eight weeks. After which, another eight to ten weeks must pass before getting another epidural dose.

The reason why epidurals are limited to three per year is to reduce potential risks involved like decrease in bone density, thinning skin, weakened muscles and decrease in production of naturally occurring steroids.

It is important to weigh the pros and cons carefully of long-term epidural steroid injections. If pain relief from your epidural wears off, you can always ask your doctor for an alternative medication. This way you would still be able to keep within the limits of three epidurals per year.

From the Mayo Clinic:

Research on the correct dose and frequency of epidural steroid injections is limited. And even then, the available data come mainly from studies in which participants received daily steroid injections for conditions other than back pain.