Is it normal to have an epidural steroid injection for back pain?

Yes and no: Back pain is complex. Usually there is one part of your back - a muscle, a tendon, a ligament, a joint, a bone that is causing the pain. The hard part is finding it. Epidural injection may be worth trying - but the key is to get a qualified doctor to examine you.

Sometimes: An epidural injection is one of many things that can be tried. Physical therapy, weight loss, some medicines, and just resting and waiting are all "normal" ways to treat back pain.

Pretty Common: If you have already exhausted all conservative care already.

Normal?: An ESI is a common treatment for back pain

Somewhat: Epidural steroid injections are in general more effective for patients with pain that runs down the leg (radiculopathy), in part because you can put the steroid directly on the nerve root causing the pain. there are so many structures that can cause back pain, epidural injections are not nearly as effective. if back pain is coming from a degenerative disc or facet, esi won't help much.

Back pain: In addition to the good advice already given, consider doing a net search for John Sarno, MD. He has a good mind-body approach to pain but do see your doc as well. One book is called "The Divided Mind" by Sarno. Peace and good health.