Injections in my back today: Hello everyone, so... - Pain Concern

Pain Concern

38,257 members11,767 posts

Injections in my back today

Trulysad-76 profile image
41 Replies

Hello everyone, so today I'm going for steroid injections in my back at the hospital. I am wondering if anyone else on here has had them as I have been told they make you sore for a few days and bruised. Also do the injections actually work or am I going through this for nothing? Many thanks for any input

Written by
Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Read more about...
41 Replies
coolpolitealex profile image
coolpolitealex

Without much information it is impossible to say, but from my own perspective, avoid putting needles into your back especially round the spine, because it can create it's own problems and you will only have to keep getting them (but I'm no expert) do the research before deciding on anything, because then you will be at least able to decide with all the information to hand best Alex

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to coolpolitealex

Thank you Alex, you are so right but I am willing to do anything to help relieve pain in my back. I am 3 injections, 2 in my shoulder and one near spine I think. Desperation unfortunately has taken over but I can't afford to be out of action

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to Trulysad-76

I have had the injections in my neck and shoulder and it really hurts. Am I meant to be in this much pain? I know it will help in the long run but I'm worried about how much it hurts right now???

lowlife profile image
lowlife

The pain after injections can hurt for a couple of weeks after then you should feel some relief after that. Injections work for some but not for others so I will keep my fingers crossed that they work for you. X

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to lowlife

Thank you for your reply and I really hope it does work, I really want to be pain free from my shoulder for awhile 🙄

beady3 profile image
beady3

All I can tell you is I had an injection in my spine I was wonderfull for a while but then back to square one it cost £600 But I feelt good for a bit without the pain shame it didn't last longer Hope you have some luck

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to beady3

Thank you beady3. I had these injections in my neck and shoulder and I am so sore, even my arm. I am absolutely warn out with the pain if I'm honest and not getting much help at home so wondered how long this will last before I can get up and on 😕

beady3 profile image
beady3 in reply to Trulysad-76

Sorry if you are laid up and can't get out of bed ,I was able to walk it was just the pain mine worked right away Good luck

Pidgenpie profile image
Pidgenpie

Hi yes I've had four lots two into my sacroiliac .two into Hip area for bursitis the first time didn't really work for me but second did

I'm waiting for another into my knee

Everyone is different but I was sore for a few days then fine

Good luck lees no how you get on Xx

KrisHarris profile image
KrisHarris

See if you can look up my previous posts here, regarding my SEVERE WARNING advising not ever have epidural steroid injections near your spinal canal. If you cannot find my posts, try looking up "Adhesive Arachnoiditis. which is the most secere form of Arachnoiditis, whixh develops from epidural steroid injections. YOu can get this from only one injection....a permanent hell on earth, incurable, debilitating (mostly bedridden), and permanent condition, for which the strongest painkillers barely put a dent. Women have even gotten this from just one epidural injection during childbirth. Truly the most horrifying condition on the planet. Research it EXTENSIVELY..you tube, etc.

I risked it several times by having these injections..thought would never be one who would get it. Stupid, stupid thinking. I am now one of those people who have Adhesive Arachnoiditis, and it has ruined my and my family's life beyond words. I wish to God I had listened and researched it to death, and I had them done by a well respected Pain doctor who, when I finally asked him do I possibly have AA, he emphatically said, "NO, you don't have that! We will just switch formulas. "

If I can save anybody from this truly horrifying all encompassing body pain, please listen. Your spinal nerves which go to all parts of your body could be potentially "cooked" by huge bonfire inflammation due to the preservatives, etc. mixed with the steroid solution, like strands of spaghetti in boiling water. The "cooked" nerves then are basically glued to the sides of your spinal canal (do not move freely or work properly anymore) by massive scar tissue formation. The many many severe pain sensations are torturous beyond what anyone can even imagine.NONE OF WHAT I AM SAYING IS THE LEAST BIT AN EXAGGERATION. I am trying to save anyone I can.

Everyone, please research this ALOT. Not just regular Arachnoiditis, but the Adhesive Arachnoiditis, the kind you can get from epidural steroid injections. There is now a Black Box warning on the steroid container box, but do we ever see the box? These injections are the biggest money making procedures for pain mgmt doctors. Research it to death. You will NEVER come back from this.

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to KrisHarris

Thank you so much for your comment. I however had the injections in my shoulder so I really do hope this does not refer to me???

If this does I doubt I will ever have anymore as I have enough pain going on 🙄😊

KrisHarris profile image
KrisHarris in reply to Trulysad-76

No, it happens only if injected near spinal canal, such as cervical or spinal steroid injections. Also, ANY further surgery can make it worse..even dental! That is what has happened to me. The last 2 dental procedures kicked off my immune system into full blown severe Adhesive Arachnoiditis attacks. I did't coorelate the first dental procedure with the AA until I had a 2nd dental procedure almost 1 year later. Each AA attack were very aggressive and has now permanently destroyed the spinal canal nerves..after only 2 attacks in only one year!

I cannot risk even one more surgery, or it could be the end for me, paralyzed or death....which would probably be a welcoming relief at this point, maybe.

Horrible outcome, just for a few months of pain relief. Soon not worth the risk!

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to KrisHarris

I am so so sorry for you, I can't begin to imagine what you are going through. Always here if you need a chat, anytime x

Casper14 profile image
Casper14

Hi I had pain releif injection in January it is very painfull and didn't work for me.hope it works for you.

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to Casper14

I really hope it does work for me but I am very sceptical

Jan101 profile image
Jan101

Hi Trulysad-76

Like the others I have had a lot off steroid injections in my hands elbow hips and spine. I have to say that other than a part of my spine that they all worked for me. The ones in my very lower spine worked me but not in my L4 to S1 I had them twice in that area with no success. You are sore for a couple off weeks but some people are only sore for a few days.

We are all different so they might be helpful to you it's really hard to say. You really need to make your own decisions to have them done or not.

I truly wish you all the luck in the world and truly hope that they work for you if you decide to have them done. Take good care of yourself. Jan101 xxxx

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to Jan101

Thank you so much Jan for your comment. I also hope this works but I am very sceptical x

Casper14 profile image
Casper14 in reply to Trulysad-76

Good luck let us know how you get on.xx

Jan101 profile image
Jan101

Good luck my friend. Please keep us posted to how you get on. Take good care of yourself. Jan 🤗🤗🌹🌷🌺🌸xxxx

mrdamski profile image
mrdamski

Hi i have personally had these twice and had a denovation of a nerve

You have every chance they could work for you

They gave a little comfort the 1st time but didn`t the second but we all are different and some treatments are always worth tring.

Good luck

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to mrdamski

Thank you for wishing me well and taking the time to comment. This community is so nice and I am hoping it will work for me 😊

deejames profile image
deejames

I have facet joint injections which work for about 4 + months. Medically I am allowed them every 6 mot hs but my health board only provides yearly injections. I get the mid year ones privately as I achieve good relief from them.

Dee

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to deejames

Wow only twice a year. My hospital gives them every 4 months but being this is my first lot I am unsure as to whether it will work. So sore as well Dee, I am obviously being a wuss I know but am a little nauseous as well. Is nauseous a side affect do you think? X

Jtal19305 profile image
Jtal19305

In the USA steroids for back is an off label use of the drug. Australia has banned spinal injections for steroids. These injections do very little for the suffering patient but does pad the bank accounts of the doctors doing them. I think it's a big scam. I had it done and it did not help me one bit, actually made it worse. Injecting a liquid soluble drug does not change the bone structure and barely acts as an anti inflammatory as the mere act of injecting the needle and liquid causes inflammation. Also if you do them too often you could get arachnoiditis- a nasty incurable pain condition . Expect to feel lousy for 3 to 5 days and maybe if you are very lucky, you get relief but it usually lasts a short time Let us know how it goes.

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to Jtal19305

Thank you, I didn't have mine in my spine. I had mine done in the side of my neck and 2 in left shoulder but thank you for your kind advice. I didn't think it would hurt this much if I'm honest 😒

deejames profile image
deejames in reply to Jtal19305

Obviously there are a range of experiences. I can't wait to get my next lot as my pain medication has had to go up since they wore off and my activity level has dropped.

Dee

Pepper86 profile image
Pepper86

It's individual to you. When I had them they hurt like mad so opted for sedation next time. After they feel bit tender for next 2-3 days but nothing compared to pain I'm usually in. I get about 2mths good pain relief and therefore good sleep as not waking everytime I turn over. I also find that takes between 6-8mths for pain to get particularly bad after. I would say when you have them done do as much physio and excersise to strengthen your core as will help in the long run x

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to Pepper86

Thank you pepper for your kind input, every little advice helps and appreciated

ReccyMech profile image
ReccyMech

I have had 22 ESI's into the lower spinal column, of late the doctor warns of the possible side effects. The pain relief is good and lasts a couple of months. I manage to catch up with lost sleep in that time. The day goes like this, hospital day case ward - Bed given - Vitals checked - into theatre then short intro about the procedure then sign the form - onto the bed laying on your front - Lower spine is washed with the sterile fluid - small sharp injection - Local anesthetic - Then the spinal needle is guided in using X ray - the steroid suspension syringe connected and you feel pressure as it enters your spine. A swab is placed in your bum cleavage and you get moved onto your bed, turned onto your back and taken to recovery, you get a tea and biscuit. You stay there for two hours until they are satisfied, then you are released. Travel to and from the Hospital is by having someone to escort you. tips : Take some water with you, it gets very dry there.

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to ReccyMech

I am not that stage at the moment. I had injections in my shoulder and side of neck. This was somewhat painful but I am my first stages with pain management and only 3rd visit. I will see what happens

9494 profile image
9494

Hi , I have had 5 spinal injections , I found them uncomfortable but not unbearable.. Alas for me they gave no relief , and my consultant said there was no point continuing, I came to this site recently stating that my oxycodone was not helping.i am now topping up with Oxynorm , and have been started on gabapentin . At present am on 200mg a day but have to build this up to 900mg a day . Problem is ... if I sit down I fall asleep and on awaking I am in a stupor and promptly fall asleep again . Is this usual ?until Ones body becomes accustomed to the gabapentin ..I feel like what's the point at present I am still in a lot of pain ... apologies if I sound as if I am moaning , I just need to know that the gabapentin will work, and I will be functioning better...

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to 9494

You are not moaning, any pain wears you down but also i have always felt while your asleep your body regenerates itself. Give your body time to settle on the new meds and if your still overly drowsy then you need to go back to your doctors as it could be your sensitive to an ingredient in one the meds. Hope this helps x

9494 profile image
9494 in reply to Trulysad-76

Many thanks for your reply , I guess it's a case of being more patient ,and seeing where this takes me .. it's not until one finds other sufferers that you see just how big a problem back pain is .. and of course this has a knock on effect . Hip,knee,feet pain. But the worst I find is saddle pain .. I really do hope your injections work soon .as shoulder and neck pain is just as hellish ..thank you for the chat .. mo

merdalfeenstra profile image
merdalfeenstra in reply to 9494

Yes, gabapentin makes you sleepy. First they gave me to much! I slept 24 hrs. a day. Now they put me on a small amount. Working up to a large amount! That is a lot better! I sure hope it helps, I have so much. Pain! Hope it works out for you! Don't give up!!!!!!!

9494 profile image
9494 in reply to merdalfeenstra

Hi Merdalfee ,thank you for your reply . At present I am on 200mg and am instructed to build up to 900 mg so I guess the oxycodone and oxynorm I shall be sleeping a good amount at first ....But am I right in believing that you are still in a lot of pain yourself, Do you take pain medication alongside the gabapentin as I do , and have you been taking it for a long period ?

blackbeauty99 profile image
blackbeauty99

H Trulysad-76

i have had four of these injections in my back and had great relief from them, lasting upto 6 months. I didn't have hardly any pain from these and was back at work within a week. I would have carried on having these but they are too expensive to keep having. I now.have a neurostimulator inserted in my back.

As others have said everyone is different though.

You have had your procedure now please let us know how you get on?

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76 in reply to blackbeauty99

I actually feel better on that side but not pain free from it. 2 of the injections have worked but the one in my neck has seemingly got worse.

Many thanks for taking the time out to reply x

medicoret profile image
medicoret

I had facet joint injections in my back, They are a bit sore when they do them, but its worth it for the pain relief. They were done by a consultant anaesthetist at my local hospital. Good luck

merdalfeenstra profile image
merdalfeenstra

I have had injections(steroid) for several years. It helps for a week or two. I will not have it done again. Waste of time, and steroids are not good for you. Hope you find something that works for you! You might have something different then I do. Wish you well!

Hi, like a few other folk here, I've had 4 lots of Facet Joint injections given by an Anaesthetist under XRay. The procedure is quite painful, although everyone's pain threshold is different. As I have Fibromyalgia aswell, I'm used to chronic pain with this, osteoarthritis and sacroiliac pain too. I'm due to undergo a Caudal Steroid injection in the next few months, into S1, once I have attended a residential Pain Management course at a specialist Orthopaedic Hospital. Recently been suffering the additional chest pain of Costochondritis , which again can be addressed by steroid injection. I'm working on as many stretching exercises as I can cope with to ease the stiffness across my chest wall. Chronic pain is such a relentless,horrible affliction, but a positive approach can help a lot, coupled with some laughter and good friends. Please remember that especially when you are at your lowest ebb. Take care xx

Trulysad-76 profile image
Trulysad-76

An update. The injections hasn't worked this time, my shoulder and neck is still very painful 😖

You may also like...

I'm back, having injections in my back

Afternoon everyone, After waiting for the ambulance transport, I finally got to Gobowen Hospital...

Not managing my pain today

anything else I can try ,or how often I may be able to have the steriod injection s , thanks Jacqui

Pain after having injections in lower back

have had back issues for years, last number of months got to point really limited my daily...

Anyone had successful RFA after failed back injections?

I’m booked in to have pulsed RFA next month on my back. Two separate procedures as I have...

Finally getting my operation today!

to the hospital an hour away then then back after the procedure but fingers crossed it actually...