What is the point of an epidural steroid inj if the steroid is "metabolized within a few weeks" ?

To promote activity: Hi leaf, the purpose of an epidural steroid injection is to decrease inflammation of nerve roots either from mechanical pressure or chemical inflammatory molecules that live inside the disk. This will allow you to go through rehabilitation more effectively with help of a good physical therapist either on land or in the water. Epidural steroid injection is not a cure, it's more like a "band-aid".

Less Inflammation: The idea behind epidural steroid injections is to reduce inflammation in an area causing nerve irritation - usually from surrounding structures such as a disc. The hope is that when the inflammation is reduce you can actually "treat" the underlying problem and get long lasting relief. Sometimes this approach is successful and sometimes not depending on many factors.

ESI: An epidural steroid injection is a minimally invasive procedure that delivers steroids via a needle directly into the epidural space to help reduce inflammation. The steroid is absorbed and metabolized within a few weeks. The effect of the injection is temporary, but the pain relief might remain after the steroid is absorbed.

Inflammation: Steroids basically reduce inflammation which is what is theorized as the source of pain in the spine causing the nerves to send these painful signals. Its actually a good thing that steroids are metabolized and gone after a few weeks, because while they help reduce inflammation, you don't want to have a long term exposure as that can result in a host of issues for you.

Pain/Inflammation: Reduce the pain and inflammation to the point you can "move" appropriately, thus breaking up scarring, moving the "pain chemicals" out of the area, increasing circulation allowing for healing.