When chronic pain begins to interfere with daily life—whether due to arthritis, a herniated disc, or joint inflammation—many patients seek out alternatives to surgery or long-term medications. One of the most common and effective options offered by pain management specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg is the steroid injection.
But what exactly are steroid injections? Are they safe? Do they hurt? And how long do they last?
In this article, Dr. Sudberg walks us through the entire process of steroid injections for pain relief—from consultation to recovery—so you’ll know exactly what to expect before, during, and after your procedure.
What Are Steroid Injections?
Steroid injections—also known as corticosteroid injections—are anti-inflammatory medications delivered directly to a specific area of the body to reduce pain, swelling, and irritation.
According to Dr. Jordan Sudberg, these injections are commonly used to treat:
- Spinal conditions (herniated discs, sciatica)
- Joint pain (shoulder, knee, hip)
- Arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Bursitis and tendonitis
- Nerve impingement
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
“The goal of steroid injections,” explains Dr. Sudberg, “is to deliver powerful anti-inflammatory medication directly to the source of pain. This can provide significant relief without systemic side effects.”
The Role of Dr. Jordan Sudberg in Pain Management
As a board-certified pain management specialist, Dr. Jordan Sudberg is well known for using minimally invasive, targeted treatments to help patients regain mobility and quality of life.
He emphasizes a multimodal approach to pain relief, often combining steroid injections with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, and other therapies.
“Steroid injections aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” Sudberg notes. “They are most effective when used as part of a comprehensive pain management plan tailored to each patient.”
Step 1: Consultation and Diagnosis
Before receiving an injection, patients will undergo a thorough evaluation with Dr. Sudberg. This includes:
- Medical history review
- Physical examination
- Diagnostic imaging (X-rays, MRIs, or ultrasounds)
Dr. Sudberg’s goal is to accurately identify the source of pain and determine whether a steroid injection is the appropriate course of action.
“We never rush to inject,” he says. “We diagnose first and ensure the treatment fits the problem. Precision is everything in pain management.”
Step 2: Preparing for the Injection
Once a steroid injection is deemed appropriate, patients are given instructions on how to prepare. In most cases:
- You may need to stop taking blood-thinning medications
- You should notify your doctor of any allergies or infections
- You may be asked to arrange a ride home if sedation is involved
Dr. Sudberg emphasizes that patient comfort and safety are top priorities. In many cases, these procedures are done on an outpatient basis and take less than 30 minutes.
Step 3: The Injection Procedure – What to Expect
The procedure itself will vary slightly depending on where the injection is being placed (e.g., spine, knee, shoulder), but the steps generally follow this outline:
1. Positioning
You’ll be positioned to give the physician clear access to the targeted area. For example:
- Face-down for spinal injections
- Sitting up or lying on your side for joint injections
2. Cleaning and Numbing
The skin is thoroughly cleaned to reduce infection risk. A local anesthetic is applied to numb the injection site, so you’ll feel minimal discomfort.
3. Guided Injection
Using imaging tools such as fluoroscopy (X-ray) or ultrasound, Dr. Sudberg carefully guides the needle to the precise location.
“This is not a blind injection,” he stresses. “We use real-time imaging to ensure the medication goes exactly where it needs to—no guesswork.”
4. Injection of Medication
The steroid (often mixed with a local anesthetic like lidocaine) is injected. Patients may feel pressure but typically not sharp pain.
The entire injection takes just a few minutes, and most patients are able to walk out shortly after.
Step 4: After the Injection – Recovery and Results
Following the procedure, patients are monitored briefly, then sent home with care instructions. Here’s what you can expect post-injection:
1. Mild Discomfort
It’s normal to feel soreness at the injection site for 24–48 hours. Dr. Sudberg often recommends ice packs and rest during this period.
2. Pain Relief Timeline
- Immediate relief may occur from the local anesthetic, but this wears off within hours.
- The steroid typically takes effect within 2–7 days.
- Peak relief can last anywhere from several weeks to a few months, depending on the condition.
“Relief isn’t always instant,” says Dr. Sudberg, “but many patients experience substantial improvement within the first week.”
3. Activity Restrictions
You’ll likely be advised to avoid strenuous activity for 24–48 hours but can resume normal daily activities soon after unless otherwise directed.
Are There Risks or Side Effects?
While steroid injections are considered very safe when performed by experienced specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, they do carry some potential risks:
Common Side Effects:
- Temporary increase in pain
- Facial flushing
- Mild swelling
- Sleep disturbances
- Temporary rise in blood sugar (especially in diabetics)
Rare but Serious Complications:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Nerve damage
- Allergic reaction
Sudberg emphasizes that such risks are extremely rare and mitigated through strict protocols and imaging guidance.
How Many Injections Can You Have?
Patients often ask if steroid injections can be repeated. Dr. Sudberg explains that while repeat injections are sometimes necessary, they are spaced out to avoid overuse, which could lead to tissue weakening.
“A typical patient might receive 2–3 injections per year in a specific area,” he says. “Our goal is to reduce inflammation long enough for other therapies—like physical therapy—to take effect.”
Are Steroid Injections Right for You?
Steroid injections are not for everyone, and their effectiveness depends on many factors, including:
- Type of pain
- Underlying diagnosis
- General health
- Lifestyle factors
Dr. Jordan Sudberg advises that any decision regarding injections should be based on a careful evaluation and conversation with a qualified pain specialist.
“No two pain patients are alike,” he says. “That’s why every treatment plan must be customized.”
Final Thoughts
Steroid injections can be a powerful tool in the fight against chronic pain, offering many patients the relief they need to avoid surgery, improve function, and return to the activities they love.
With the expert care of specialists like Dr. Jordan Sudberg, these procedures are safe, precise, and effective—especially when combined with a broader, long-term pain management strategy.
If you’re dealing with unresolved joint, spinal, or nerve-related pain, a consultation with Dr. Sudberg may help determine whether steroid injections are the right option for you.
