Spine pain and epidural injection

[kcareer]

I have been having lower back pain for about six months. I saw my GP about two weeks ago. She sent me to have an MRI of my lumbar spine. The result is that I have multiple levels of degenerative changes/arthritis and narrowing of spinal canal around the lumbar region. Then I went to see a neurosurgeon who suggested I should do an epidural injection with steroid. I have heard that this procedure has its own side effects on the spine. Please, is there any one here who has done this epidural injection and tell me what to expect? Thank you.

[ARIES29]

Years ago I had cortisone injection in my spine & I had the same problem, pain in back & down both legs. A crushed disc was the cause pressing on the nerve.Maybe I was just lucky but that was over 30 years ago & no back pain untill recently.

Epidural needle is administered the same way.

[MBOY1 in reply to ARIES29]

Just had similar injection 3 weeks ago. 95% pain improvement in 3 days. Typically they say they last 3-6 months but everyone different. In my town injections usually by pain docs (anesthesiologists). Haven’t heard much about side effects. Just that they don’t always work and a limited amount of steroid each year. They can be painful so some opt for a little minor sedation.

[kcareer in reply to ARIES29]

Thanks for your reply ARIES29.

[dac500]

I had an injection for my lumber stenosis. The relief from the injection was only temporary lasting only a few months. For longer relief, the injection may have to be repeated.

[kcareer in reply to dac500]

Thanks for your reply dac500.

[tango65]

If done by anesthesiologists the procedure is safe and it may be effective in controlling the pain. They do not touch the nervous system {the spinal cord} the steroids are injected outside the exterior membrane covering the nervous system {the dura}.

accessmedicine.mhmedical.co...

spine-health.com/treatment/...

[kcareer in reply to tango65]

Thanks for your reply tango65. Mine will also be done by an anesthesiologist.

[tango65 in reply to kcareer]

I wish the best of luck and I hope it will help to control the pain.

[Yank66]

Hubby’s had the procedure done twice-about 3 years apart. It was miraculous: a non-surgical end to the severe pain of herniated disc, pinched nerve and spinal stenosis. Each procedure was a 2 injection set about a week apart. His spine doctor is an anesthesiologist, so he was under for the injections. He could barely walk before the injection and was able to stand up straight and walk with no pain afterwards.

[kcareer in reply to Yank66]

Thanks for your reply Yank66. I hope it works for me.

[dadzone43]

"side effects on the spine"? Nonsense. In capable hands like an anesthesiologist or interventional pain specialist that should not happen.

[kcareer in reply to dadzone43]

Thanks for your reply dadzone. Mine will be done by an anesthesiologist.

[dadzone43 in reply to kcareer]

Good to know. I am looking forward to it helping you.

[dadzone43]

spine-health.com/treatment/...

[podsart]

I am in the same type of boat. L3L4 stenosis, arthritis, spondylolisthesis, and disc problem. Tried physical therapy, some gains, then setbacks. Contacted anesthesiologist/pain specialist. This Wednesday will do her 1st step: facet injections. Will see what happens and then see as to next steps, ie, epidural, and RFA. Good luck

[kcareer in reply to podsart]

Thanks for your reply, podsart. I wish you the best with facet injection.

[Magnus1964]

I have had two epidural injections with limited success. Everyone is different. I have friends that are pain free and have been for nearly a year.

[kcareer in reply to Magnus1964]

Thanks for your reply Magnus1964. The pain is excruciating sometimes. I hope I have some relief.

[wagscure259]

I had an epidural injection for disc prolapse at MSK by anesthesiologist causing not only pain but myotomal weakness in L4-L5 nerve distribution. Pain went from a 9-10/10 to 0/10 overnight. Weakened musculature took 4 weeks to resolve. No side effects experienced. Results can vary- skill of injector may be paramount

[kcareer in reply to wagscure259]

Wagscure259, thanks for your reply.

[Hidden]

Thanks for this post. I have exact same issues, and have appointment in a couple of weeks with osteo-neuro specialist. I hope he may suggest similar procedure. Responses to your post are very informative and encouraging!

[kcareer in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply TreeDLeader. Very informative indeed.

[Blueslover]

Steroid injections have worked well for me for a long time, but now are not working so well. Looks like I'm headed for a decompression surgery unfortunatelyHugh

[kcareer in reply to Blueslover]

Blueslover, thanks for your reply. I hope your new surgery will be a success.

[Blueslover]

Do you have important information that I should have before deciding on decompression sugery?

[old64horn]

Years ago I had a cortisone injection for back pain. It worked for about 5 months but my back pain came back. I got another shot but this time it didn’t work. In January 2017 I had a laminectomy surgery done by a neurosurgeon and 10 weeks later I was playing golf. Four years later I’m still pain free.

[kcareer in reply to old64horn]

Wow, old64horn. I look forward to my steroid injection. Thanks for your reply.

[j-o-h-n]

I had one on Tuesday, September 24, 2013.... and it worked.....No issues or side effects... My pain management doctor was referred to me by my Neurologist...

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n Friday 01/31/2021 7:06 PM EST

[kcareer in reply to j-o-h-n]

J-o-h-n, thanks for your reply. I was concerned with the side effects. But now I am fully aware of what to expect.

[Tony666]

I have been working on my back/spine for some time. One thing I found useful is something I actually picked up on this forum from another user. It is arm swinging or “ping shui”. Very easy, just a few minutes a day, and it has I believe really helped to align my spine over time. Just a thought. Not a replacement for other interventions but something in addition.

[kcareer in reply to Tony666]

Thanks for your reply, Tony666.

[Blueslover]

Will certainly check it out. Thanks Nal

[kcareer]

Please, Nalakrats, can you walk me through with your information. Meanwhile thanks for your reply.

[kcareer]

I had CT Scan, then an MRI on my lower back recently. I did suffer from sciatica about 15 years ago and that was treated by physical therapy. I am stage 4, diagnosed since 2016 December. I had six rounds of taxore Chemo, and presently taking Lupron every 6 months, and Xtandi 160 mg every day. I am also on Xgeva every 2 months. I did not read your post on RFT--Ablation. Where can I find it?