Cortisone Injections for back

[arvine]

so, just trying to decide, along with PMR, have a lot of back issues, been suffering or years with, spinal stenosis, slipped disc, degenerative, and of course osteoarthritis, so now, very debilitating, hard to walk, hard to stand, chronic pain when trying those activities, limits me , a challenge every day to do routine chores. So thinking about cortisone shots, so at least can do a little walking, may help legs with PMR, so rheumy wants to refer me to pain clinic, consultation at first, but they don,t do Imaging ultrasound, cortisone injections, I asked about a clinic that does, here in Ontario, Ajax, he suggests I try the pain clinic first, said , "what did it matter if they put an injection in lower back and helped" ?? not happy with that comment, prefer if I go ahead with to go to a clinic that does by ultrasound, get in right place so wondering what comments or opinions are out there on this topic, thank you

[PMRpro Ambassador]

If the back problems are muscular as mine are you don't need guided imaging - that is for intraarticular shots, into joints. Steroid injections into trigger points are superficial and still work well. You do need a decent diagnosis of where the problem is though. Are your back muscles tense or in spasm?

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

Well have had MRI done years ago, showing the spinal stenosis, degenerative discs, and slipped disc, more recent few mos ago, had MRI showed,osteo, and the joints, that were affected, have to get report again to know exactly which ones, so think combination of joints and muscles tightening, and stenosis causing pain

[Pixix]

I only needed guided imaging for my hip joint, not the other 4 sites I’ve had them in! Think I wrote more last week to you! I still am in favour of them & the dope medrone is still helping.

[arvine in reply to Pixix]

Dope medrone? what is that please?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to arvine]

Depotmedrone - the form of corticosteroid used in injections.

[arvine in reply to PMRpro]

ok thank you

[Pixix in reply to arvine]

Here is how Google describes it “what is Depo-Medrone injection? Depo-Medrone is a long-acting steroid injection that's given to reduce inflammation. The injection is given into the muscle of the buttock to treat conditions affecting various different areas of the body.” I was given this because my doctor believes I have rheumatoid arthritis. Usually I have steroid injections direct into specific points, last year each shoulder, thumbs (both osteo arthritis) & in March I am having one directly into the bursa to help with the trochanteric bursitis I have. Hope this helps!

[Estellemac]

I had 3 lots of guided injections for all the back problems you have listed and nothing worked. My first cortisone injection before my hip replacement lasted 6 weeks and eased the pain. This has just added another 6 months on to treating the actual issue of slipped discs degenerative arthritis and the other hip is on the way out now. My arms and shoulders are painful with arthritis and having to balance on a rollater to get about the house. I think that is PMR though.

[arvine in reply to Estellemac]

yes, that,s what Im afraid of, so many pros and cons to injections,

[Estellemac]

Just to add to my last comment I went private for MRI scans and a consultant to diagnose the problems as it was a good 12 months waiting to see an NHS consultant. I got a copy of his report and the MRI scans too.

[Suet3942]

I’ve been waiting 6 months for guided injections. Losing hope now.

[Linny3]

I am getting the spinal injections tomorrow under sedation and guided imagery. In the past 10 months I experienced 4 fractures and much muscle strain. Also now have a lot of nerve pain coming from my back along with spinal stenosis and a promblematic disc.

I have had them in the past and some help a lot and some don't help at all. I am not sure why that is. I have also had radio frequency ablation and that helped a lot.

Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

Have a wonderful God given day.

[arvine in reply to Linny3]

omigosh, fracture!! must be so very painful, all the best to you