KeithEugeneW

I had 2 of them at C7, but for me they didn't help, I think because my problem has been so long running, it wasn't from an injury, it's from severe disk degeneration. I understand that about 50% of those who have them get some relief, and that typically it is those who have had a recent injury or new symptoms due to a suddenly bulging disc. I wouldn't say it is painful at all, just a ***** from the needle for the numbing medication for a few seconds, and then pressure once they insert the epidural needle. I got queasy only because I started thinking about what they were doing and how deep the needle goes in, but not because of any pain or discomfort at all. I also knew that the experienced pain doc I was seeing was not the one doing it, it was a different resident each time, with little experience, so that made me pretty nervous that they might go too far. Make sure they use a fluoroscope (live x-ray) to guide the needle. If they don't, then find someone else, because they are just taking a literal stab in the dark around your spinal cord if they can't see it on x-ray. Those who don't use the fluoroscope have higher complication rates and lower success rates because they don't get the cortisone to where it needs to be, and because they may hit something they shouldn't. With the fluoroscope, they can see exactly all the time where they are and they inject a little die along the way to be absolutely certain they are in the right place. It's a piece of cake, so relax and don't worry about it, you'll be fine. I hope it helps you!