Epidural Steriod Injections - Back Problems Message Board

kitkat57 · 09-27-2006, 06:52 AM

Hi everyone. I'm happy to have found this board, as I have several questions.

I have had leg pain for approx. 2 years now. A previous MRI showed two herinated disks in my lower back. I tried a Chiro., but as time went on it seemed to be doing more harm than good. I went to see my regular doctor who perscribed Tramadol. It worked fine, but when I tried to back off of it, I had terrible withdrawl symptoms. Being a recovering alcholic, I'd rather not take addicting medication. My doctor ordered an MRI last week and I am scheduled for 'pain management' at our local surgery center. It looks as if he will be performing an epidural steriod injection.

Can anyone tell me how beneficial this is? What is the procedure? Etc.

anhbay06 · 09-27-2006, 07:30 AM

It's only temporary relieving the pain maybe a couple of days. You better off go for the surgery. I will go for surgery aftering holding out with pain for 2 years as you are . Time to give in.

kitkat57 · 09-27-2006, 08:06 AM

Thank you for your reply.

Actually, surgery has not been suggested.

anhbay06 · 09-27-2006, 08:12 AM

The question is can you live with the pain? I was living with pain for like a year on and off. After doing physical therapy,injections, and walking.. nothing help until recently, the pain becoming so strong that I can't even walk straight, sleep at night or doing anything I used to do..like jogging, sport etc..by the way I am only 35 yo.
Finally, i give in because I can't live conservative treatment anymore..

removedone · 09-27-2006, 10:45 AM

Three of my friends have had epidurals, with much success. All three went to the same Anesthesiologist. He does the epidurals with 'guidance', from a flouroscopy, 'live x-ray'. One friend has not had reoccuring pain from a bulging disc for over a year; the other, with sciatica problems from bulging disks, has been pain free for two years. The third friend, who has had many different spine 'issues' over the years, had epidurals, twice a year, for about 3 years. Unfortunately she had to have them closer and closer together, and in time, four times a year, and then 5 times a year. Eventually the epidurals became inaffective and she had surgery. Unfortunately, even after surgery, she still has some pain. [removed]