Spinal injections for pain

[drmind]

I am exploring getting some spinal injections for pain. I have 4 bulging discs, stenosis and splondylithesis.. fortunately, these conditions only cause intense pressure pain when standing for any length of time. Can anyone share their experiences if you have these injections and if they had any effect on their kidney function. I'm currently at gfr 31. Have hypertension that is controlled.

[jodaer]

I've had spinal injections twice in the past. The first time I'm not sure what they injected into me. That was pre-CKD. The last time was a couple years ago and because they I had CKD at that time, they didn't use the "usual" injection. I do not remember what they used but talk to your doctor that will be doing the injections about CKD so he can pick the right med for you.

[drmind in reply to jodaer]

Thanks for this information. I'll definitely discuss it with the doctor.

[CatOnACloud]

Hi there. Sounds like a messed up back. I know it must be painful. I have stenosis on both sides that cause nerve issues in leg and pain on right, and a deep pain in left when I sit. One side hurts to sit, the other hurts to lie down for long. Ugh!

After 8 months, pain doctor scheduled me for epidural spine injections. Up on the monitor so pretty safe. Worked on the left, but only for 3 days. They said my response was too poor to try any more. Pooh.

There are many types of injections! They include a corticosteroid and a numbing agent. There was a small amount of dye to trace the path of the nerves, but none of this was supposed to affect my CKD. One reason they are so popular is their safety when performed by experienced docs. I just had two local shots of numbing agent, then the steroids. It wasn’t even too painful.

Hope yours helps!

[drmind in reply to CatOnACloud]

Thanks so much for sharing. I only get intense pressure pain if I stand for any length of time, but otherwise nothing. I'm really not sure if the injections will help as I had some years ago and they weren't helpful then. But, willing to try again with new pain specialist.

[lowraind]

I have had two injections and two blocks. The first injection was successful, the others did nothing for me. When the pain doctors wanted to do another injection, I said no. The definition of insanity is to continue doing the same thing and expect different results. Most of my doctors are osteopaths, so I asked about osteopathic manipulation. I have seen her four times in the past four months, and my pain is much reduced. She even discovered that my right leg is shorter than my left, a possible cause of some of the pain. I am almost 82, and no one found that before???

[drmind in reply to lowraind]

What blocks did you have? BTW I only found out I have scoliosis and I'm 90. But, glad you're getting some relief now. Thanks for sharing.

[RedheadfromVA]

I was just diagnosed with osteoporosis in both of my hips. I also have scoliosis. I have an appointment next week with ortho. I too have excruciating pain. Can’t walk or stand too long before I have to sit or lay down. I have arthritis in both of my knees and I have had injections in them but doesn’t really work. Let me know if you get an injection. I’ll keep you posted!

[Svnaia]

I’m very interested in this too! Doing research now also. Have you heard of PRP injections? Platelet Rich Plasma made from your own blood? It’s getting good results in some circumstances including stenosis and herniated disc, but I’m not clear if it’s for pain or healing or both. I also plan to speak to my doctor about all types of injections. Please share back what you learn. Also I have been doing yoga and acupuncture for the last year+ for neck/spine pain management with good results but it took 6-8 months to start seeing results.