What are the benefits of an epidural steroid injection? Patients will find that the benefits of an epidural steroid injection include a reduction in pain, primarily in leg pain. Patients seem to have a better response when the epidural steroid injections are coupled with an organized therapeutic exercise program. Pain relief from an epidural steroid injection While the effects of an epidural steroid injection tend to be temporary—providing relief from pain for one week up to one year—an epidural injection can be very beneficial for patients during an episode of severe back pain. Importantly, it can provide sufficient pain relief to allow the patient to progress with their rehabilitation program. Epidural steroid injection success rates An epidural steroid injection is generally successful in relieving pain for approximately 50% of patients. If a patient does not experience any back pain or leg pain relief from the first epidural injection, further injections will probably not be beneficial. However, if there is some improvement in back pain or leg pain, one to two additional epidural steroid injections may be recommended.