Hello Robert. Epidural injections are usually shots of a steroid medicine and an anesthetic medicine, epidural means around the spinal cord. Generally the effects of epidural injections only last a short time and offer modest pain relief. However, epidural injections are limited a few a year, because of the side effects of steroid, including weakening the spinal bones and nearby muscles, skin thinning, insomnia, high blood pressure, and disrupting hormone. Delaying repeat injections allows the body to return to its normal balance. If one has pain between two injections, other treatment options should be considered.