My doctor has me refered me for a epidural spinal steroid injection. This is due to lower back pain from a car wreck . Has anyone else had this done to them?

Chris

 

Yes I have had it done about 2 years ago the only thing it did was lessened the pain for a while.And if you fall or trip the pain will be right back again.I have learn to live with the pain again since there isn't anything they can do until my back ruptures again.I go to a chiropractor now and then so that helps.

 

Unless the problem happened real recent, the steroid is a waste of time, and may be more complications. I have carpal tunnel in both wrists, so I let them do it to my left, and have regretted it since, as it made things worse. The steroid injection is intended to reduce swelling as a temporary measure, so unless it is a temporary swelling problem, it never works. They wanted to do it to my back when a disc ruptured, and I asked straight out if they thought it would do any good since I had been having problems for 14 years, and the answer was no. So it then said "why are we even wasting time talking about it." I dumped the orthopedic doctor and went to a neurosurgeon, who agreed with me that the shot is typically worthless. There are times, but may like to use it too much. If you haven't yet, and have the financial means to do so, get an MRI done, as x-rays do not show tissue damage. A chiropractor kept me going for 14 years, but it eventually caught up with me. If you can take care of a herniation or rupture early, the recovery will be better. As stated, I went 14 years, and now have permanent nerve problems. When I saw the MRI, it was very obvious what the problem was, but x-rays didn't show a thing.

 

Fellro the wreck happened on Jan. 27. I have had an MRI done on me. So far nothing has worked for me. I've tried drugs, which i found some that work, but they knock me out so i cant use them during the day. I've also tried chiropractor/physical theapy, which did absolutly nothing but waste my time. The pain for me is always there, but right now I can just about mentaly handle the pain. It still bugs the hell out of me. When i do real strenius activity, such as wakeboarding or running, the pain will flair up for the next couple of days.

Rebel, what did it feal like when they did it?

Chris

 

That is too long ago for the steroid to work, but maybe I'm wrong. What did the MRI show? if it didn't really show anything, it may be a matter of physical therapy, but if it shows any herniations, they can be fixed without having to have fusion surgery, if gotten to early enough. there are procedures to be able to repair the discs if caught early enough. I can relate on the strenuous activity, as I get that daily now. I had the offending discs removed, but the continous pounding on the nerve has done it's damage. Mechanically, there is nothing wrong with my back, it's in the nerves now.
If you can try to get in to a neurosurgeon, they deal with nerves, where ortho's only deal with bones... you'll have a better understanding of what is going on that way.

 

The MRI did not really show anything to really show what was causing the pain. There is nothing that is pressing on the nerves. So far nothing else has even helped dull the pain. I am hoping that this will get me some relief, all be it probility temperory relief, at least there will be some relief. Also if it doesn't work, it will get the doctors to try something else.

Chris

 

Are they going to do them in a series of three?

I hurt my back real bad about four years ago and I had a series of three epidurals injections. The first one didn't do much, but the area was so inflamed and hurting I wasn't really shocked. The next two provided a lot more relief.

Forward to today and oddly enough I work at a radiology center and we do provide some diagnostic services, including the epidurals. I've learned that my experience was pretty typical of the epidurals. The first one might not have much of an effect, but the next two should provide more relief.

Have you seen a neurologist?

 

they are going to do up to three. I have not seen a neurolgist yet. The doctor I am seeing specializes in the spine.

What does it feel like when they do it?

Chris

 

It quite literally feels like a big shot in your back. I won't lie. It hurts a bit. But I think the big thing is most people make it out worse than it is before they actually get the shot. But the good thing is, it's over in about 10 seconds. Then you wait a little while at the office and then you go home.

 

Caplax did they give you anything to knock the pain down, or did they say just bite your lip and hold on for a second?
How long do you have to rest before you can go back to your normal activities?

Chris

 

I just bit my lip and tried to think of other things. They sort of numb the local area, but to let's be honest, when a local area is numbed does that EVER work right? My eyes watered a bit. At least the nurse was good looking, that helped things.

After that I waited around a little while, say about 20-30 minutes, to see if I would have any numbness or tingling, and since there was none I was sent home. I went by myself if I remember right and drove myself home.

The company I work for now has a policy that says the patient has to have a driver to take them home after the injection. The thinking is that if you suddenly have numbness or something, then you wouldn't want to be operating a vehicle when that happens.

 

Thanks for the information. Your right about the local injections, they never work. Even when i go to the denists I can still feel it, and they shoot me up big time. I go talk to the injection doctor thursday to have the initial consulation, i'll schedual the injections then, I hope.

Chris

 

I had the first injection on the 30th. I was completely sadate so i did not feel a thing. unforentually it did not work. So i'm going to be back in at the end of this month.

Chris

 

That's actually pretty common. Usually the first one doesn't seem to have much effect. Relief usually starts on the second and third shot.

What are your symptoms anyway? Disc bulge or something?

 

I have two bulging disk. L4-L5 and L5-S1. That and combined with the stenosis in the fluid canal, it makes it even worse.

Chris