Overview
Epidural injection is the administration of medication into the epidural space. It is used to treat swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with neurological conditions that affect nerve roots, such as a herniated disk and radiculopathy.
Epidural injections may be painful and produce uncertain results. Studies show that epidural injection may provide short-term pain relief for patients when conservative treatments have failed.
Anatomy
The brain is covered by three membranes (dura, arachnoid, and pia), called the meninges that extend through the base of the skull and surround the entire spinal cord. The spinal cord travels down the entire length of the spinal column through the spinal canal. The epidural space is located between the dura and the interior surface of the spinal canal and contains veins, arteries, and fat. Epidural injection is the injection of medication into the epidural space.
Procedure
Epidural injection is usually given in an outpatient setting. An anesthesiologist usually administers the injection, but some neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, and neurologists are also qualified to perform this procedure.
A mild sedative and a local anesthetic may be given prior to the procedure to relax the patient and numb the injection site. Medications, usually an anesthetic such as bupivacaine (Marcaine?) or a muscle relaxant, and a corticosteroid such as methylprednisolone (Medrol?), are injected directly into the epidural space. (The injection is commonly called a cortisone shot.)
Effectiveness
Approximately 30% to 70% of people who receive an epidural injection benefit from it. Some patients notice improvement within hours of the injection; others improve over a number of days; and others experience no improvement with the treatment. In some cases, two or three injections are given over weeks or months.
Complications
Complications resulting from an epidural injection are rare. Possible conditions that may develop following the procedure include infection (e.g., epidural abscess), bleeding into the epidural space, and headache caused by a cerebrospinal fluid leak. Approximately 2% of patients experience side effects from the corticosteroid, such as mild fluid retention.
Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection:
Your physician may refer you for a procedure called an Lumbar Epidural Steroid Injection. This procedure is used to treat swollen and inflamed spinal nerve roots often referred to as a “pinched nerve.” The spinal nerves come from the spinal cord and exit the backbone to provide sensation to different parts of the body. Occasionally something rubs or irritates these nerves where they exit the backbone causing them to be swollen and inflamed. The source of irritation may be a ruptured, herniated, or bulging disc. Another source may be Spinal Stenosis, where arthritis of the spine, bone growth, or hardening of the ligaments begins to close the openings in the spine through which these nerves exit. Common problems associated with this inflammation of the spinal nerves include:
- Pain in the lower back
- Pain down one or both legs
- Numbness or tingling of your legs or feet
- Weakness in one or both legs or feet
Your symptoms may include some or all of the above problems. Your physician may treat these symptoms with oral medications and/or physical therapy or exercise. Another method for treating this condition is called an EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION. This technique involves an injection of a steroid into an area of your lower back called the epidural space. The epidural space extends through the spinal canal from your head to your tailbone. The spinal nerves pass through the epidural space and are therefore bathed in this steroid (a solution of anti-inflammatory medicine). After the procedure you will be asked to reduce your activities at home for 24 to 48 hours to allow the medicine a chance to do its work. Within a few days after the injection, the medicine should reduce the swelling and inflammation of these nerves and thereby reduce your symptoms.
You will probably be asked to return two weeks after your first injection. If all of your pain or numbness has been relieved, you will not need another shot at that time. Most often, however, the first injection will relieve most, but not all of your pain or numbness. At that time (2 weeks after the first injection) we will suggest a second EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION. Occasionally you may require a third injection two weeks after the second one. After a series of three injections, you should probably wait six months before starting another series of injections.
EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS work very well for most people with the above problems. While it will not cure everyone, this procedure can be extremely helpful to relieve the pains caused by “pinched nerves”.
If you have questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your anesthesiologist.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
- Will this injection cure my problem?
Although this procedure may give excellent pain relief, it will not fix the source of the “pinched nerve”. However, by reducing the inflammation of the nerve and with the help of some exercises provided by your orthopedist or physical therapist, you should have months to years of freedom from pain. And although you may have to return for a repeat series of Epidural Steroid Injections in future years, many people prefer this treatment than having surgery to repair the defect.
- Are you going to give me a shot in my back!?!
Yes. This is the best and easiest approach to the Epidural Space. We do not inject anything directly into the spinal nerves or spinal cord. As stated above, by using the Epidural Space the medicine can soak into the nerves very easily without a direct injection into the nerve itself. - I only have pain in my leg. Why are you giving me a shot in the back?
As stated, the nerves which supply feeling to your legs come from the spinal cord in your lower back. The site of irritation of this nerve is usually in the lower back where the nerve leaves the spinal canal or backbone. Your Doctor referred you for this treatment because he feels this may be the source of your problem. - Is this procedure safe? What are the risks?
As with any procedure, there are always certain risks involved with injections. Epidural Steroids have proven to work very well and carry very low risks of injury. However, anytime you receive a shot there is a minimal risk of complications. It is rare that these complications ever cause a significant problem. The following are some, but not all of the possible complications:
- Bleeding or Infection at the site of the injection: Minimal bleeding is not uncommon, but it is extremely rare that this is a significant problem
- Pain during or after injection: This is not a common problem, but may occur when there is significant swelling and irritation of the nerve root prior to the injection. This is usually self limiting (it doesn’t last long) and does not usually occur with the second or third injection.
- Post-spinal Headache: Occasionally the needle enters the dura (the membrane that covers the spinal fluid and nerves). This is called a “wet tap”. This does not occur very often, but when it does, the patient gets a particular type of headache. As stated, this is an uncommon occurrence and there is a treatment for this type of headache when it occurs.
- Reaction to medications or nerve injury: Reactions to the medications can occur but are quite unusual. Injuries to nerves or nerve roots are possible, but extremely rare.
- Will these steroids cause my muscles to increase like the athletes that take illegal steroids?
No. These steroids are anti-inflammatory agents, not the anabolic steroids like athletes use.
Cervical Epidural Steroid Injections:
Your physician may refer you for a procedure called a Cervical Epidural Steroid Injection. This procedure is used to treat swollen and inflamed spinal nerve roots often referred to as a “pinched nerve.” The spinal nerves come from the spinal cord and exit the backbone to provide sensation to different parts of the body. Occasionally something rubs or irritates these nerves where they exit the backbone causing them to be swollen and inflamed. The source of irritation may be a ruptured, herniated, or bulging disc. Another source may be Spinal Stenosis, where arthritis of the spine, bone growth, or hardening of the ligaments begins to close the openings in the spine through which these nerves exit. Common problems associated with this inflammation of the spinal nerves in the neck or cervical spine include:
- Pain in the neck or shoulders
- Pain down one or both arms
- Numbness or tingling of your shoulders, arms, or hands
- Weakness in one or both shoulders, arms, or hands
Your symptoms may include some or all of the above problems. Your physician may treat these symptoms with oral medications and/or physical therapy or exercise. Another method for treating this condition is called an EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION. This technique involves an injection of a steroid into an area in the back of your neck called the epidural space. The epidural space extends through the spinal canal from your head to your tailbone. The spinal nerves pass through the epidural space and are therefore bathed in this steroid (a solution of anti-inflammatory medicine). After the procedure you will be asked to reduce your activities at home for 24 to 48 hours to allow the medicine a chance to do its work. Within a few days after the injection, the medicine should reduce the swelling and inflammation of these nerves and thereby reduce your symptoms.
You will probably be asked to return two weeks after your first injection. If all of your pain or numbness has been relieved, you will not need another shot at that time. Most often, however, the first injection will relieve most, but not all of your pain or numbness. At that time (2 weeks after the first injection) your anesthesiologist may suggest a second EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTION. Occasionally you may require a third injection two weeks after the second one. After a series of three injections, you should probably wait six months before starting another series of injections.
EPIDURAL STEROID INJECTIONS work very well for most people with the above problems. While it will not cure everyone, this procedure can be extremely helpful to relieve the pains caused by “pinched nerves”.
If you have questions about this procedure, please discuss them with your anesthesiologist.
Here are some commonly asked questions and answers:
- Will this injection cure my problem?
Although this procedure may give excellent pain relief, it will not fix the source of the “pinched nerve”. However, by reducing the inflammation of the nerve and with the help of some exercises provided by your orthopedist or physical therapist, you should have months to years of freedom from pain. And although you may have to return for a repeat series of Epidural Steroid Injections in future years, many people prefer this treatment than having surgery to repair the defect. - Are you going to give me a shot in the back of my neck?
Yes. As noted above, in this instance the nerves involved are located in the cervical spine. This is the best and easiest approach to the Cervical Epidural Space. We do not inject anything directly into the spinal nerves or spinal cord. By using the Epidural Space, the medicine can soak into the nerves very easily without a direct injection into the nerve itself. - I only have pain in my arm. Why are you giving me a shot in the neck?
As stated, the nerves which supply feeling to your arms and hands come from the spinal cord in your neck (the cervical spine). The site of irritation of this nerve is usually in the cervical spine where the nerve leaves the spinal canal or backbone. Your Doctor referred you to us because he feels this may be the source of your problem. - Is this procedure safe? What are the risks?
As with any procedure, there are always certain risks involved with injections. Epidural Steroids have proven to work very well and carry very low risks of injury. However, anytime you receive a shot there is a minimal risk of complications. It is rare that these complications ever cause a significant problem. The following are some, but not all of the possible complications:
- Bleeding or Infection at the site of the injection: Minimal bleeding is not uncommon, but it is extremely rare that this is a significant problem
- Pain during or after injection: This is not a common problem, but may occur when there is significant swelling and irritation of the nerve root prior to the injection. This is usually self-limiting (it doesn’t last long) and does not usually occur with the second or third injection.
- Post-spinal Headache: Occasionally, the needle enters the dura (the membrane that covers the spinal fluid and nerves). This is called a “wet tap”. This does not occur very often, but when it does, the patient gets a particular type of headache. As stated, this is an uncommon occurrence and there is a treatment for this type of headache when it occurs.
- Reaction to medications or nerve injury: Reactions to the medications can occur but are quite unusual. Injuries to nerves or nerve roots are possible, but extremely rare.
- Will these steroids cause my muscles to increase like the athletes that take illegal steroids?
No. These steroids are anti-inflammatory agents, not the anabolic steroids like athletes use.
Recent post
Ever Have A Bad Epidural?
Submitted by gregg on 15 May 2010 – 10:41pm
I had one shot given to me about 4 weeks ago the pain was very mild,went home relax for maybe 1 hour or so went to work the following day, with no pain for only a week, know i need to go back for 2 more shots hope the pain disappears for a while, the problem that i encountered was that i had problems with digestion (constipation ) very bad, i am about to go see my general provider for a strong medication….
I am scheduled for 3rd series of “transforminal epidurals”,the 1st set-3 epidural shots in a row for lower,L-3,L-4,L-5/s-1,I was lightly sedated the 1st time,approx 10 mos. ago,the results were less pain but not what I hoped for-NO pain,2nd procedure was appeox. 3 mos. ago. This time I was sedated w/I.V. verced and had 4 shots,compared to giving birth-I’d rather have a baby!I am receiving some relief from the series of shots but not enough to have any pain-free life.I had thought the shots would I really hoped I’d be able to live w/o pain meds-I’LL ENDURE THIS 3RD SET ON jAN.10-12 AND AT least lower the meds for a couple of weeks! Just to wake-up with NO pain,forgot what that is it’s been so long!(have degen. disc in lower back from l-2 dwn to s-1,bone spurs in upper and lower back,ostioarthritis in back,hands n knees,had biggest spur on thumb surgically removed March,2011-great results from that,now if the rest could only be that simple!
Marie, I felt like i was reading my own story. It has been 72 hrs since my second injection and i feel terrible. I too cannot drive or sit. It makes it impossible to work or get ready for Christmas ( 3 kids) I had microdysectomy surgery for l5 s1 12/23/10. It was successful for 8 months and then reherniated. This makes my second Christmas dealing with this. I am considering a second opinion for my condition. I refuse to believe i have to live with this. I am 42 years young!!!
I have had four sciatic flare-ups in the last four decades. Each time I thought the pain would be stuck with me for the rest of my life. Each time I went to extremes trying to find a cure. The dumbest think was a chiropracter…wow was that dumb. I had the forture of being a swimming pool physical thereapist for several years where I met the top people in the field of backs. Here are some tips. Be carful stretching hamstrings, it is what often startes the flare-up. Often deep, deep sleep helps. Several valium with lunesta is not dangerous but allows the muscles to relax. I finnaly made it to the top back dorctor in the country, Barth Greene. He is the professor emeratis for the profession. When I finally got to see him he put me on celebrex similar to ibuprophen), told me that when the inflamation disapeared the pain would disapear, and when the pain disapeared the foot drop paralyisis would also disapear. He was right, the rest were wrong. Most backs will heal on their own give time, so don’t over treat. I have no back pain now.
Had 1st , was fine after 3-4 days. 98% pain free. 2nd one done 5 weeks ago . Have been in pain since thanks to a headache that is worse than the back pain was caused by a puncture to the spinal fluid sac. A blood patch was performed that did no good at all.
I have been getting epidural injections in my lower back for 12 years. I have been told be every Dr. I’ve had that I should only have 3-4 a year. I have only been totally sedated once. Most of the time the sedation is just to relax you. They numb the site of the injection, so the initial needle insertion does not hurt. You may feel pressure, though. When they inject the medicine, it brings my pain to the high level that brings me in for these shots. The pain is only while the medicine is being injected. (My Dr. will inject some, stop, inject more, stop, then finish.) The pain subsides to a dull pain after the injection. Although, sometimes the pain gets worse one day before it gets better, the end result is usually a big reduction in pain. I get a weekly massage for my condition and my masseuse cannot believe how well my body responds.
I am not sure of the long term effects of this procedure, but the relief I get is well worth it. I would not have the amount of pain relief with out these injections. (I do yoga, walk, take medication, use ice alot, get massages and see a chiropractor. None of these things gives me the 1-3 month relief I get from these epidurals)
I have had side effects: a horrible headache, facial flushing and insomnia, but these side effects only happened to me twice in 12 years.
If you are in a high level of pain, I would recommend trying the injection. If your pain level is not high, I recommend trying other options.
Matt –
I had an epidural one week ago and am experiencing the same. I have been in bed for over a week and can only lay on my stomach for relief. Can’t sit, stand, drive! It is the worst tearful pain I have ever experienced. Worse than giving births to three children. According to my doctor, the epidural relieved the L4 bulding disk inflamation where the epidural was injected but it just made the nerves from my other 2 buldging disks more irritated. I am on lots of pain medication and 14 day steroid pack which I am still waiting for them to kick in. My doctor says rest, taking pain medication will help the pain subside and eventually building up the muscles in my core area. All I can say, I am desperately waiting for the pain to go away. I have a family and a job that I am not able to take care of and it is Christmas time! My doctor does not recommend me to get another epidural (and at this point, I definitely do not want one) and he did an MRI today which does not warrant surgery so I am not sure what my options are. I know our experience is not the norm but it really stinks!
Please, PLEASE, PLEASE read about adhesive arachnoiditis before doing epidural steroid injections. Your pain is nothing now compared to what it could be. A progressive disease of your spinal canal.
I’m on face book please try to link up with me .just got intro face book hope to chat to people who suffer from LPHS I’M in South Africa
And I was not sedated, by my choice. They numbed the area which feels warm with a slight burning sensation followed by the injection. Just think of the person or place that brings you to an inner peace.
I had my first of three injections in my neck nine days ago. The pain and pressure in my neck was intense for that day but I had little to no pain the next two days. The actual procedure was not bad. I am hopeful that the pain will decrease more each time. I have alot of pain every day because of multiple issues but it’s worth it to try to lessen the pain if even just for a few hours, days or months.
A neurosurgeon is performing my injection this Friday. He said that I will be sedated. To hear other peoples’ experiences really makes me hesitant to even go through with this. Is it very painful? Can I help out with a 5K the following morning?
i had a spinal block yesterday 11-8-11 for a pinched nerve or ploblem withc-5 and c-6
It was a very bad experience, They went thur my neck, i was wide awake, they gave me nothing worth talking about when they gave me medicine to relax,nothing not even a little sleepy!!! wide awake. When he gave me that first shot i about came off the table!!!
now have extreme head for the last 16 hours.. and i still have the numbness in my finger,,, Ok but can someone please tell me if i was suppossed to be some what sleepy or sedaited?? i am really pissed off about what happen to me..
I’ve had 9 cortisone shots since May in my lower back. They only last for 4-5 weeks.
Dr. said no more shots for 3 months. Instead he wants to implant a neurostimulator in my lower back. Does anyone have one? Isn’t 9 shots in a short time too many? Why aren’t they working?
I had an epidural 12 months ago and it did wonders for me,going in tommorrow again for a ssecond one
I had an injection in my neck C6-7 in August. I has relief within
5 days. All of the numbness and tingling in my arm was gone and has
Not come back. I still had the neck pain however so had
a second injection this morning. I am hopeful that it will get rid
of the neck pain. I got a bad headache from this injection but t that’s
a rare side effect. Dr. Magnuson at Kootenai Medical Center’s Pain Clinic
and the staff there are amazing. He’s the expert at these injections!
I had an Epidural On Oct 3, 2011, I walk in with pain in my leg as I have for over five years and have had Epidurals for this about every six to nine months. Only this time I have been in bed since Oct 3, 2011. because if I stand or walk it is so painful , I am on five different pain medications and nothing takes the pain away completely. Of course after all the Epidurals I did receive in the past years this time my doctor was not there so it was a different doctor. There is nothing I have read or signed that states what happened to me is a possible side effect ??????????????? what to do now, I can’t stay in bed all my life I am only fifty.
Hi.
Can symtoms sometimes get worse before they get better?
..I have numbness in my foot and i was wondering if that’s alright? I have had 3 Cortisone shots and this happens.
Thanks.
had 1 injection 2 wks later it was wonderful…pain gone!! all of it. Pain back after 2 months of a GREAT relief. Had another one but doctor put it in a diff. location to see if the nerve was pinched in another place. But no relief…I was mad. Went back to doctor and will have injection in the orginal area that worked.
Hey get these injections….they work when your doctor knows what area to inject you in. Most doctors don’t..sorry.
Up to you to find a doctor who has done many of these injections.
I will have one every 2 months forever if I could…I had my old body back.
Only negative…weight gain
Still worth every pound!!
I would like to have an apinion as a shot to my neck to relieve pain. I have herd from others the benifits they recieved from a botox injection and a epidurial shot, which do you think would be best for me with harsh neck pain, and what are pros and cons compared to each other. I welcome you to call me if you would be so kind. Thank You CJ 1(818) 337-9495
I just want to say that I am so mad at the internet for making me so incredibly nervous about getting an epidural steroid injection. For those of you who are looking for comfort who are about to get this procedure done, let me just share my experience with you (just got it done about 5 hours ago). For one, the IV needle hurt worse than the epidural. I was sedated and the doctor numbed my back with lidocaine. I didn’t even feel the epidural needle. When they said they were done, I didn’t believe them. But we were done! As soon as I got to the recovery room, I started feeling some mild leg pain. My pain is getting progressively worse throughout the day as the lidocaine wears off. THIS IS NORMAL. You may feel pain (possibly worse than what you are normally used to) for 5-7 days after the procedure. Then you will start feeling relief. I am hoping this is the case, but the pain I am in is still tolerable. We will see. But the shot itself was nothing to worry about! Well worth it if I get to actually see some pain relief a week from now.
I am a 60 year old female and had my first epidural steroid injection for herniated L5, L6. Right back pain has eased, but I still have intense stabbing pain above pubic area when I try to turn over in bed. Severe pain, especially if I wake up and find I have been lying on my right side. I have very limited range of motion with my right leg and hip. All tests have pointed to the hip and SI joint are normal. Will the subsequent steroid injections help this? The pain at night is unbearable.
This procedure is very mild in comparison to an operation and the results are much better and quicker than a surgery. God Bless You All and The Doctors that helped me walk again!
4 years ago I had 2 injections into my lower spine. I am here to tell you this procedure saved my life since I was to the point of suicide from all the pain and inability to walk! I was very skeptical of the procedure. I didn’t get much relief from the first injection but the second one got me on my feet and I still have back pain but no pain in my leg anymore. I have told everyone that without the shots, I would not be alive today!
Just Do It!
If I ever get in that position again in my life, I will do it without any hesitation!
Hello Sorry to hear about all of you having pain. My husband is suffering from an epidural he had on June 21 2011 for leg pain. Now he has leg pain and back pain from the epidural. I asked him not to do this shot but he did. Our life is a mess now. We went to Lasar Spine Institute in Philladelphia. They seem reliable maybe some of you can call with your specific problems. They want to give my husband surgery but a surgeon we went to in NYU says he feels my husband does not need surgery. Good Luck to all. Post something if you get results to let me know.
My Dr told me to stay horizontal for 3 days. I didn’t Did I mess it up?
I had my injection thursday I stayed on back as advised all day Pushed it Friday. Did I mess up the result?
I have had injections in lower back which none of them has worked. I know cortisol is in the shot but don’t know what else. Where is the best facility to get an injection. I live in a rural community and the only place available for them is a pain clinic in a small town there are several of these places in our state. I have had back surgery and no relief since that I am told it is not failed back surgery but inflammation and pain from degenerative disease. I have been in pain and haven’t had a life for 18 months. Could someone please let me know where to go to get an injection that works?
I have suffered from rt lower back pain with siatica from time to time. It has been 24 hrs since my injection and I am much more pain now than i was before. Pain in my rt buttucks , upper inner thigh and down to my knee. Did my injection make my pain worse? Is that a posible side effect? I sure did not know the injection could make my pain worse. I have taken more pain meds today than I ever have.
i have herniated disc in l5 i had a epidual injection first of july it releaved the symptoms i was having , the symptoms i had were numbness in my right foot the toes,pain in both legs weakness, cramps in my legs going to my nips in both legs , cramps in my back both sides ,tingling in my left hand ,had another mri done and it showed that i have arthuritus on my lower back . the doctor thought i might have a pinched nerve , i also was wetting my pants when having to sneeze , now since i had a injectiondone i am having headaches everyday mostly on my left side shoulder pain ,neck pain pain in the back of my head ,bad leg cramps in both legs and feet back soreness in calves if legs from leg cramps
Had my first C-spine injection at C5-5 on Wed morning. Today is Sunday and the pain is no better still and has even gotten worse! I called the doc office Fri and was told it would get better over the weekend and this is normal. If I had known the pain had a potential to get WORSE I would never have done it! I don’t recommend this until you research and hear all the effects.
I had cervical and lumbar epideral shots . I haven’t had any improvements. I have herniated disc C2,3,4,5,6,7. I have spinal cord fusion 4-5 and 5-6. Now I have S2 and l5 pinched nerved and this all related to a work injury. My life has been a nightmare. After my surgery they said I would be back to normal . Now I have spinal cord damaged. I was wondering is there anything I can do that will not hurt me anymore.
First cervical steroid injection tomorrow morning…I HATE NEEDLES!! The thought of a needle going into my neck to spine is scaring the hell out of me! The thing that is bothering me about this, is this will only be a temporary fix…Dr. says I will more than likely be having surgery within 2 years anyway (So why subject me to this???) I know I am a big baby, but I am terrified of the possible pain of the injection. I am being “sedated” but seriously I am still going to know what they are doing to me! Please wish me luck!!!!
I had my third shot today, firt one was great. second one not so great and now i’m hoping third will be the best !!
i’m very sure it helped reduce the inflmmation around my L5, L4 and S1 …. i’m now able to do alot more and basically off all my heavy norcatics that i have been taking for almost a year to manage the pain
it will also pay you time to allow your disc if it want to ever move back or move partially back to place so if you ever decide to go with surgery it will be less invasive or less involved !!
you just have to be lucky and get a good doctor who knos how to do them, with the aid of live image there shouldn’t be a reason why it might go bad !! … my second shot was done by an intern !! so that’s what went wrong
i recommend it to anyone with lower back problems !!
good luck to everyone
I have degenerative disc disease in the cervical spine mild to moderate. I also have debilitating migraines, horrible shoulder and back pain, and some kind of auto-immune system disorder that is so far undiagnosed. They do not give me pain medications. They are planning on doing this epidural in the neck thing tomorrow and I am scared to death. I have had a failed epidural before. I think this is extreme. It seems to me that a much safer option, especially since my pain is so wide spread, would be pain medication. A lot of people are mentioning being on pain meds for years before their doctors resorted to these measures. “When conventional measures fail.”? Pain medication doesn’t make my pain go away, but it does take it to a tolerable level for me. How do I get my doctor to give me pain medication instead? They are also planning on doing this thing off an MRI that is 2 and a half years old!! I am scared to death.
I had a spinal injection 3 weeks ago after being in pain for mths L5-S1 Felt grt for 3 weeks now pain is back ;(
I am due to have the steroid injection soon following injuring my back resulting in a bulging disc causing sciatica. I am hopeful it will settle the problem down. However the only way a doctor can determine if this is a good option or surgery is needed is through an MRI scan – if you are still suffering and haven’t had an MRI, see a specialist and demand one immediately. How do I know this? I herniated the same disc about 4 years ago and had the surgery (a laminectomy) where the surgeon cut off the bits of the disc that had oozed out and were causing significant pain. It worked really well (I woke up and the pain was gone, fabulous) and I only have a recurrence now due to a silly injury. By the way I was 40 when I had the operation and both my sisters have had to have the same proceedure (we think there must be a genetic element to the weakness) and it has worked well for us all. I can’t understand why you might be too young for surgery ??! Get a good specialist and an MRI for a real answer. Good luck to all.
I had mine today for sciatica and leg weakness due to degeneration around L5 (probably because of the 40 miles per week I used to run. I have had sciatica for over 2 years now. Oral prednisone did the trick … temporarily each time, but no long-term relief.
I was very nervous … I really hate needles. My pulse went from 72 to 108 by the time they started. It do not hurt nearly as much as I expected. I did get a nice wave of hot sparks down my left let when they did the anaesthetic, but then it was fine. It was x-ray guided, and they let my 9-year-old daughter come in the room to watch (she wants to be a doctor).
13 hours and I am getting great relief … it was 100% right after the procedure for 8 hours, and is now at 95%. Doctor said full relief would take 7-10 days, so I’m hopeful. I walked without a crutch this evening for the first time in 24 months and I even played a bit of badminton with the kids … for the first time in over 24 months. I just might have my life back.
I have been dealing with pain in my lower back and down my left leg for three years now. I’m only 30 years old and I have had 4 injections. Not once have I had any relief from these shots. I’ve been to three different doctors, and they all say different things..but all agree I’m too young for surgery. I honestly don’t see another way. After my last shot 2 days ago, I have had an increase in pain and have not left my bed for more than 5 mins. Its horrible. I have a highly active job and I’m not sure if I will be able to return in two days. Pain killers and anit inflammatory pilss are not helping either. I feel doomed!
It’s been about 1 month since my last steroid injection and I’m doing great. Sleeping fine. I take maybe 1 Aleve a day if my leg starts to bother me. Been going to physical therapy 3 days a week. I walk out of there every day feeling better. My Dr. told me it’s just gonna take time to get to 100% or 95%. I cannot complain about my injections. Maybe because i’m only 25, but the aftermath for me is very positive. Surgery is so far away from even considering.
i had the last of my injections in march and wish i would have never did it! i have had nothing but problems. my ankles and wrists are aching. i have so much back pain and my legs are weak and tingling. i force myself to get up every morning and excersize. i don’t know what is happening. im only 52 and i just don’t know what to do next. i’m a very active person who has not been able do to much since my last shot! anybody have suggestions?
Ive had the steroid epidural injections for pain. I have gained so much weight. My face is so puffy and round and my stomach seems larger. How long will this puffiness last. I look like those little men on the Chocolate Factory…..HELP ME PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I just had an epidural injection and it didnt work. Seems like Im in more pain. Is their light at the end of this tunnel? Ive suffered for so long with severe pain and Im way to young for this….please help!
Hey Carrie,
I Just recently had 2 steroid injections into my lower back. I had a bulging disc hitting my sciatic nerve. I was taking up to 8 Ultracet pills a day before having my injections. It’s been two weeks since my injections and I have yet to take 1 Ultracet pill. The pain in my lower back/legs has seemed to improve quite a bit. However, now my foot(left, that’s the side ive had all my problems in) hurts like hell at random times when walking on it. I just started physical therapy this week. We’ll see how I am a month from now. Gonna save my last injection(only allowed 3 per year) for when/if my pain comes back and then immediately follow with surgery. My type of surgery has a 95% success rate of fixing my problem and making my back/leg/foot function normal again… It’s just super expensive.
I have a pinched nerve at the base of my spine with intense pain around my right knee cap and right hip and lower spine. The first epidural offered a little relief, but the second about 2 1/2 weeks later, was very helpful. I could easily tolerate what little residual pain remained and it disappeared for long periods after my taking just one ibuprofen. Now a few months later, the pain is moderate, but still not nearly at the level it had reached before the epidurals. I also had a mild twilight anesthesia administered both times just prior to the epidurals so there was no pain and I was in a light sleep for perhaps 10 or 15 minutes.
I want to know, is Steroid Shot be come habit? and is it bad to have a shot ones year?
please give me a answer!.
Was recommended for epideral injection by my dr. for protruding discs in neck. Can anyone tell me how many injections and the cost
Just wanted to share my experience with the epidural steroid injection. I recieved it about 14 days ago, and whatever, if any relief i recieved is gone. back to the same pain. Scared to get the second one becuase i had such a horrible experience with the first one. i have severe anxiety so i took valium prior to the appt. didnt do a bit of help. my problems are 4 herniated discs in my lumbar spine, L5-S1 being the symptomatic one. also have degenerative disc disease and hip tendonitis/bursitis all affecting my left side. anyways, the procedure went fine, she used some local numbing which i could barely feel, then inserted the needle, which also went fine. then it came time to inject the contrast and the cortisone. i practically passed out from the pain. i broke out into a sweat, started crying and could BARELY stay on the table. The doctor said she knew she got the rigth spot because of the pain, but it was one of the most unbearable experiences of my life. I am willing to try it again if i knew that it wouldnt hurt as bad, but im straight up scared. anyone else have this experience and went on to have success?
Ok did my second one! Today MUCH BETTER… ITS AMAZING ALREADY THE DIFFERENCE. MY GOD I’M HAPPY THAT I WENT THROUGH WITH IT. It can only get better!
Allana
I had my first injection to my L5 when they were doing it I had a horrible pain I can not describe.. the doc said it was because the nerve was more inflammed then he had thought.. yes after the injection I thought I was cured like most of us do …JUST UNTIL THE ANESTH. Wears off.. for the next 24 to 48 hours I iced 20 min on and 20min off. Taking pain meds and resting. I’m on my 5th day and I feel like the pain is worse my bottom feels like there is a knife in it and the pain still shoots down my leg. I still have pressure in my back that folds me forward and my back…. well my back kills… I came off my meds for two days thinking I should be feeling better, but that was a bad idea.. even on the pain meds I’m in pain. I am sick of the meds by now and I’m sad but happy for those of you who felt good in 3 days. I see the doc on Thursday and I’m sure he will say let’s do another… but I’m exhausted from being in pain… I just wanted to post this because we are all together on this … I AM GOING TO DO ANOTHER, I HAVE LOST WEIGHT AND I DON’T NEED TO LOOSE ANYMORE THE DOC SAYS, I WILL DO P.T., AND I WILL TRY TO THINK POSITIVELY ABOUT THIS. BUT, could you if you read this say a prayer for me and everyone else that we can one day be pain free.?! I WILL FOR ALL OF YOU NOW AND FOREVER.
I had steroid injections in my kneck the 28th of march. I will NEVER let them do this to me again. I was already in pain when they did the procedure but it was nothing compared to the pain I’m feeling now.My kneck and throat are still swollen{more than they were before}and the pain in my shoulders and my arms is so bad I can’t drive . I cant use my left arm at all. The pain is beyond words, i have never been in this much pain my life. The muscle spasms are worse than ever.I have been on pain meds for almost four years, I have tried heat,ice,soaking, massage you name it I have probably tried it. I would give anything for the slightest bit of relief. My head hurts so bad around the base of my skull, it feels like my brain is throbbing{ might sound unbelievable but true} I have never had a headache that wouldn’t go away before. I actually hurt to be touched,my body feels bruised and I’m so stiff. those injections are not for me. I wouldn’t wish this pain on my worst enemy. if anyone has found a way to stop or ease the pain please feel free to let me know what you tried I will try anything. I’ve been crying daily since I had this done. I have a high pain tolerance but this is more than I can handle. PLEASE SEND SUGGESTIONS FOR RELIEF!!!!! For anyone considering having this procedure think twice. If you do have it done I wish you the best of luck, hope it works you!
Hello to the individuals who have had epidural injections. I have had my third shot and it has been almost a month and has worked well. I did have a bad herniated disc L4 L5 and was a canidate for back surgery. No way!!!! Please keep in mind that you need to lose weight if you are overweight. I have lost 40lbs and i need 20 more to go. As of today i feel great and the injections have given me hope. steve
I am scheduled for a lumbar epideral on Wed. After reading all this, I want to cancel. Would anyone recommend oral steroid pills?
I had three steroid shots in my neck two weeks apart for migraines it has helped me. Will someone please tell me how long it takes to get out of your system. I am hungry all the time. I try to chew gum eat things that are healthy. It is the worst feeling in the world. So, please how long will I have to feel this way it is an all day thing. Any help would be appreciated. I don’t want to get on diet pills they make you jittery I don’t need that Is there anything else I could take.
The best thing you can do is take care of yourself nothing will ever be the same but you can deal with it and keep it from getting worse pills dont work for long and bring lots of problems with them liver damage for one and bad withdrawls that are worse then the pain.Injections help very little so not worth the tissue damage that they cause.Surgery try to avoid unless its the last straw it might help your problem now only to make a new one thats alot worse how do I know Had two Dr one said wait as long as u can eventhough you have a very damaged neck the other you need surgery right away wanted so bad for the pain to go away anyway had 3 fusions in my neck 2took after 3 years one did not I have cervical stenosis with myelopathy ,degenerative disc disease you name it ive gained 40 pounds hurt night and day what worked best was keep walking eat chocolate smile lose weight stay away from DR pain management and make the best out of it cause it here for ever but with a good frame of mind and not feeling sorry for my self has been more helpful I promise.
My mother is 79, with bad osteoporosis and is quite hunched over. While suffering from a cough and congestion this week it seems like she has developed a pinched nerve or maybe even a fracture by her coughing fits. She is in extreme pain. Right now she is having an Xray for them to understand what is happening. But doc this morning says she might need an epidural for this pinched nerve. But seems like this is not a great thing to do. Has anyone any experience with an epidural for a person who is this elderly and has such a curved spine? Are there other solutions for a pinched nerve that one should try first? Thanks for all input.
Hello! I had my first injection this past Wednesday. First i have to say it was the single most painful, traumatic experience of my life lol. Stupidly, i opted for the local anethesia instead of general. The doctor and nurses said that it was actually good i felt that pain because it meant that they scored a bullseye with the injection. Second, it has already worked wonders. Before i was practically a cripple in constant pain, now i have a slight limp and slight pain. NOT PERFECT mind you, but much, much better. I may get another one to issue the coup-de-grace on the disc
Chris
One other comment. The Doc. stated this is NOT Pain Management, he stated these should fix you where you can go about your normal routine/excercise etc.
Thing is I have heard it is not a PERMANENT FIX. One lady told me she had one and never had a problem in her back in 13 years since then. Others have said they work temporarily or not at all. I pray on it. I do not like TEMP. man I would prefer PERMANENT! As we ALL WOULD! I am 42 years old, do not wish to be limited.
Chiropractor may have fired things up. Should have got MRI before allowing them to touch me. Surgeon stated the spots may have been there before accident/injury and further aggravted. When you see MRI report it freaks you out man says pressing on thecal sac etc. I was like WHAT! But no tingling or loss or strength or numbness which is good!
I had a “Whiplash Injury” and went to chiropractor for 6 weeks and
no relief except temporary. I had MRI done and it revealed Slight and Moderate
Disc Protrusions to C-5, C-6, and C-7 Cervical/Neck. I was like you are kidding me.
I have always has bad habit of popping neck anyway. Tried 3 weeks of Physical Therapy and traction, Naproxen 500 Mg. twice daily anti-inflammatory. Steroidal pack 10 days. Finally after consulting with the Best, (Spinal Surgeon Methodist Hospital Houston and a World Reknown NeuroSurgeon) I decided based on the Surgeons reccomendation to get the injection. Pain pinch/clamping when turning to right especially (Pain located in left side of neck). Anyway I had the Cervical Steroidal which I was totally freaked about. Knowing my luck man I was thinking I would end up worse! The procedure was very quick, I remembered nothing much. Anyway It gave about 75-80% improvement January 17th. I followed with Doc. and he suggested more phys. therapy. Of course we all want that QUICK FIX right??? I like many others got relief but for how long? Only time will tell. I am highly considering 2nd one but spinal Dr. stated to be judicious as there is a max of 3 per year I think. Not sure if the cotisone steroidal will fatten you up? Hope not. Have to watch my weight being in military. He did everything under fleuroscopy and took pictures of it as well which was cool. This ame guy believe it or not did a “BLOCK” on hip area 20 years ago! What is the chances of that man??!! 23 years of experience put me at ease. I am not sure if bulge discs/protrusions ever resolve themselves. Wuld suck to have to keep from getting more and more but I def. do not qualify for surgery. I also heard surgery can create scar tissue and more problems no matter how good the Doc./Surgeon. Body sometimes can heal itself. This crap is uncomfortable though and not sure if excercise can further aggravate it? sizes are 1.4 and 2.8 which seem fairly small giving me hope it would get good results. Been taking Valium to try to leave neck alone but do not wish to take that forever. WIfe was going to kick my ass as I started popping it again. Feels temporarily good but may keep other things stirred up I just don’t know man. I wont die but this stuff sucks man. Tried ice, heat and everything. Kind of scared if I press my luck could stir something up with additional injections. Do many need 2nd ones to hit the jackpot?? They should be at 2 week intervals but mine will be about 4 weeks later after another shot at physical therapy. Excercise is great man but I would dance naked with peanut butter if I could just get the damn pain to subside, more of a discomfort than anything. Shoot me an email if anyone has thoughts please. Maybe some additional traction will allow disc/protrusions to reduce. 1st one was certainly better. Email me with any suggestiions PLEASE: ernest1944@hotmail.com
Mike
THANKS!
— Be careful with what you read on NET lot of bad info. out there that will freak you out. Having excelent qualified surgeon/Doc that can do this is the key. They went from center of my shoulder blades and the catheder went I guess further up and administered medicine left side epidural space.
I have had several successful epidural injections, cervical and lumbar (neck and low back) over the past 8+ years. My most recent was lower lumbar and I had wonderful and instantaneous relief. My back is shot, probably from 40 years of being a nurse, a skier, and generally enjoying life! My goal is to stay active and avoid surgery and as long as these epidurals work, I’ll keep coming back.
The limit of 3 epidurals is only for those who don’t get relief. I got 5 years out of my first 3 cervical epidurals, and my Dr. didn’t hesitate to repeat them when the pain recurred. They work well, but not for everyone. The risks are small.
I always take the power nap option – a little anesthesia to put you to sleep for a few minutes while they give you the injection. I’m a nurse, but a wimp! Good luck.
Today I had my first in a 3 series of the Epidural Steroid Injection. I am a sonographer who suffered labral and rotator cuff tears. After two shoulder surgeries and many months of PT I still have no relief only to discover I have a protrusion in my neck that could possibly be causing my symptoms. My symptoms include: Painful pressure under arm, both sides of elbow & wrist, sharp stabbing pains, muscle spasms & dull ache in shoulder, with numbness in tip of thumb. These symptoms come and go but mostly come making any daily task or night of sleep nearly impossible.
At this time I have a stiff neck, slight pain and minor swelling. I do believe all of these were to be expected after this procedure. I am scheduled for my second injection in two weeks and I am praying this will bring relief!
Does anyone happen to know if shoulder injuries in any way can directly affect the neck. Thanks for any feedback and God bless you all.
I have a buldgin disc L4-L5 area. I was given my 5th shot within a 6 month period, only finding out by researching on the net that 3 should be the limit in a year. Getting the shot was easy. But, I had my period from Sept.14th thru Nov. 22nd non stop and then again from Dec. 1st up to Dec. 15th. I have have headaches daily, sleepless nights, flushed face/hot flashes. I have gained weight in my stomach, breasts and my face looks bloated. After the 4th shot, I had this terrible under the skin itching in the breast area and feel uncomfortable all the time. After the 5th shot I finally experienced a brief relief from the pain shooting down my right leg, only to have it come back and is just as bad as ever. They now have me taking vicadin for pain. It’s been over a year of this and I can’t take much more. I sit all day at my job and am sick to my stomach from pain by the end of my day. Surgery is the next option.
I am having the cervical epidural injection this week and am scared to death but am so desperate for relief from pain in my neck,upper back, shoulders and arms 24/7 & can not keep taking vicoden forever. PLEASE tell me this works??? I really am losing hope. I had a bad spinal tap yrs ago and was leaking fluid which caused months of BAD headaches and needed a blood patch to fix it. SO I am a nervous wreck to have someone touch my spine again but don’t know what else to do anymore. Had PT and nothing else helps
I have just completed my 5th ESI in 12 months for stenosis, sciatica and hip/groin pain from severe scoliosis. Each time my doctor focused on a different area in the lumbar region and each time I got relief in some, not all, areas. The last 2 we planned close together to hopefully increase the benefit. So far, so good. I get a combination of Fentenyl and Versid. The only side effects have been facial flushing and bad constipation. I’m told there is no limit to the # of treatments. Sounds like some folks are getting primarily cortisone which, I believe, there is a limit to. Good luck!
I will be getting my first of a series of three cervical epidural shots. I am very nervious, however I will be sedated. I began feeling shoulder pain about 4 months ago,which eventually moved to my shoulders, numbing and tingling in my arms and fingers, stiffness in my neck a headaches. The pain is with the 24 hours a day with no relief. Because I have MS it took some time and a lot of different doctor visits, muscle relaxers and pain medication before getting to this point. I pray that this series of shots will give me some relief I have found myself becoming depressed and longing for the day of normaliy back in my life. I pray that all of you including myself find comfort and some type of resolution to your problems. Lynn
I had the procedure done on my C5 for unbearable pain in my left shoulder, that I was sure was a torn rotator cuff. I was so sure that before the injection I had made an appointment to see another Dr. for a second opinion. Then I received the shot, 15 minute procedure, painful but not excruciating and I am on the third day after and I feel fantastic! The pain in my shoulder is all but gone, very slight with rapid movements, and the numbness I was experiencing in my pinky and ringfinger has been replaced by a tingling and warmth that has been missing for months. This procedure has worked for me so far and I am hoping for long term relief. I have since cancelled my appointment for a second opinion.
someone email me if you know the answer massssssone@aim.com…thanks.
I am going for my 3rd L5 spinal epidural on december 8th. I had had my first one 18 months ago, then i had another 6-8 months later, they seem to run out for me in 6-8 months, my question is, how many of these can you get? I was told only 3? I get my 3rd one on dec 8th 2010, and the pain im in is unbareable. i’m worried that when my last injection pain blocker runs out, i wont have any more options?
they wanted to give me back surgery, im a 27/m and i was scared to do it. the injections have helped tremendously for me.
I had injections in L4/L5 a few weeks ago. The injections themselves weren’t bad. However, I’m 32 yrs old and I felt like I was 90 afterward. My legs and back were very numb and I could hardly walk for hours. The site of the injections became quite sore the next day but there was no pain in my legs or low back. On the 3rd daY my low back and hips became very stiff. My soreness has become worse then it was before the injection now. My nerves are very agitated and are twitching and the areas targeted by the injection are extremely inflamed.
To all that has had this done to them for one reason or another……If it helped you than by all means you should have another one done. If it did not help or made your pain just that much worse than getting another one done will be you hurting yourself. These doctors that perform these shots really do not care one way or the other. All that matters to them is that they get paid. Meanwhile, for the ones that it has not help we will have to (as I have been told), just learn to live with this for the rest of our lives…which sometimes I just cannot imagine living this way. Life should be lived and enjoyed…..but that has been taking away and replaced with HELL. Please, do your research before allowing anyone to stick a needle in your neck, or any part of your spinal. Those problems cannot be reversed.
I had an epedural injection (L4/L5 pressing on nerve) yesterday. Felt fine until a few hours ago. Pain is back in hip, going down into calf of left leg. Don’t want to do this again. I agree with Cat Shannon … the pain was horrible when the meds were inserted. Worse than the five children I delivered naturally!!!!!
I had my epidural done on the 6th of October and my pain has not improved at all…..as a matter of fact it has gotten worse. My goal was to not have to take any narcotics drugs for pain. Well, I held on until two days ago. I had the epidural done and my neck, and now my pain is so bad that I cannot hold my head up and I’m having the worse back pain ever. This procedure may be good for some, but not for all. I know I will not be having the second treatment. Good luck to those of you that it has helped. I wish you much more success with it. And for those like me that it didn’t help, I guess we will all have to look for other options.
I had my first shot 2 days ago,I was a nervous wreck just thinking about getting a shot in my neck. Well I didn’t like it at all .I’m not good when it comes to needles. It was a little painful and the sound of the needle going in was sickening.I’m not looking forward to the next one if there is one. I hope other people have a better experience then I did,I still have pain and sore where the injection was.I guess it takes time.
I have been in pain for 20yrs. Its started with tingling and pins and needles in my hands and feet that turned into unbearable cramps in the instep of my feet and contraction like pain in my forearms. It was accompanied by tenderness off my muscles, joints and tendons. I also have a numbing feeling accompanied by pain in my head and the roof of my mouth which is actually causing my tounge to press against the roof of my mouth. I wanted to commit suicide. 6yrs later after seeing various doctors I was diagnosed with fybroemyalgia. My lower back pain has been my main complaint, because it causes my to be unable to sit or stand for too long. though the pain does move along other areas of my back. I have also got sleep related problems. I WONDER IF THEY HAVE DIAGNOSED ME CORRECTLY. I have been offered a slinal epidural injection and I’m not sure whether to have it because I’m afraid of the proceedure being painfull. and my nerves are so sensitive That I have pins and needles 24/7. All my MRI scans and x-rays have not showed anything abnormal. NO obvious cause! the radiography report just says some degeneration but no obvious nerve or disc damage and no abnormallity. IS it worth the risk of taking the injection or shall I look for other relief. bare in mind the lower back is in real agony now and there seems to be no let up… your advice and comments will be much apprecieated. tony.
I had an injection before an overseas trip and it lasted about 2-3 weeks and while I was still away, the pain came back a bit less than it originally was. I am now back and have an appoinment on Monday 10/25/2010.
When I received the first injection on 9/28/2010 I was told to return in 2-3 weeks but could not do so because of my trip overseas. I have ine question since the first injection was to be at c4-c5 but the doctor did not have a clear view so did the CESI. Not sure if that was a less successful approach or not.
I read some horror stories before my 2 shots this morning and was very nervous. It was all unnecessary because the shots were only ‘uncomfortable’ for less than a minute. Not at all as described by the fear mongers on the Internet.
My advice though and MUST DO’s:
1) make sure it is fluoroscopy guided (live x-ray) or there’s a high chance the doctor will miss the correct injection site. That aside, I think there’s a higher chance you’ll be visiting a bad doctor who doesn’t use x-ray technology though!
2) Make sue your doctor is qualified to give the injection and was trained by a fellowship. My doctor said that many doctors who give these injections only went to a seminar on the subject! That is outrageous for sure an important and critical injection.
I had two injections today and I can already feel a big improvement.
Good luck with yours!
I had my first shot back in July, 2010. My hip and lower back pain got better, but the numbness in my left foot is still there. I just had the second shot 2 weeks ago, after this shot the numbness seem to have increased. Also, I’m having tingling the leg and headaches every day. I’m wondering if the headaches are side affects from the shot, I’ve been having the headaches since the first shot, I had a CT scan done a couple of weeks ago, it checked out ok.
I’ll just give it time to see if I get better. What I need to know, have some one else been experiencing headaches.
I had the epidural injection done in my lumber region today and have never felt pain like it. I was told to fast from midnight which I did. I was told I would be having a sedative. I did not really want this as I had looked up on the internet tand it said it was not really neccessary. When I went to the hospital the doctor that was doing it said he did not use a sedative so I was pleased and very calm when I went in to the theatre. However when he came to the bit where he puts the fluid in the canal spaces I felt total agony going down my legs. I have never felt anything like it in my life and it seemed to last forever. I just hope that it has all been worth it Cat
I had a epidural done last friday in my neck. Was having pain, numbness and tingling on my left side. The shot was not too bad, but I left the office still in pain. My pain has not gotten any better and I am having these spasms in my mid back, that I wasn’t having before. Now today, My left arm is very heavy and lifting my fingers takes work. Everything just feels so much heavier than before. Can anyone relate to this????? And if so, your input will be greatly appreciated.
had my injection 9 days ago lot of pain dow bothy legs and across hip for the first 5 days and he worst migrain i have ever had for the first 2 two days how ever now feeling a lot better and for the first time in 3 years pain free. however can anyone tell if it is normal for my legs to itich so much i have no rash or hives
I just got a cervical epidural yesterday morning for pain in my neck, shoulder, arm and hand (with tingles in my fingers). I opted for the awake rather than the sedated injection. I was rather strange to feel (the pressure) and hear the injection. There was some pain but it only lasted a few moments. I could feel pain down my arm when the doctor got the needle to the nerve root for C6 on my left side (didn’t last long).
From start to finish was only fifteen minutes or so and I walked out within thirty minutes from check in to check out.
I had a very weird phantom pain in my arm for about half and hour then a couple of hours where my arm didn’t really feel like my own (not much coordination). I felt a little sleepy the rest of the day and my neck hurt some after the pain killer (injected, Novocaine?) wore off. One day later my constant companions; tension in neck, headache, neck pain, arm pain and hand pain are all but gone. I still have some tingling in my fingers.
I felt pretty good this morning so did some heavy lifting (next day after injection) and that was a bad idea. I’m a little dizzy, achy and tired. I think I’ll be taking it easy the rest of today. I’m getting a little cortisone face flush too.
Just got the shot it did not hurt at all. I have a bulging disk in my neck with the pain shooting down my right arm. Its been a tough month especially out of work. Hopw this will help
Im getting ready 4 inj need some relief
This seems to be the only thing my, not board certified, DO, not even an MD wants to do. Frankly, NO, I will not do it. One wrong move…paralysis. Another thing, I had an spinal when I had my daughter 20 years ago, to this day I still have numbness in my right arm. It will be a cold day in hell before ANY doctor shoots ANYTHING into my spine.
BTW, my cousin is a board certified neurosurgeon and he said “Don’t do it”.
I had this injection 3 weeks ago and it has not helped at all, in fact it has made things slightly worse. I am suffering from facet joint arthritis, due to thinning discs in my lower spine. I was told the disc thinning was normal for someone my age (35). The pain is unbearable at times and I am unsure what to do next. Any info would be appreciated.
I had an Epidural Steroid Injection today on my lower back (L4/L5 region). I feel So Much better already! I may get a full night sleep tonight! I have been suffering from terrible Sciatica from my left Hip to Lower Leg for just about 7 weeks. I tried everything, and nothing seemed to help. The injection was not painfull at all, and in a few weeks, if needed, I will be happy to get another one.
going in for my second injection tomorrow. The first shot didn’t hurt, but it did cause me to be in extreme pain for about 48hrs. I have had the worst headache of my life for the past 13 months…I had a MRI and was then told that C2-C4 were inverted causing spinal deformity. I know I am not a doctor, but with all the research I have done i truly believe this deformity is doing something to my nerves that are causing this unbearable headache. I am 27 yrs. old and scared to death i will always be in pain. I’m having the injections because the doctors dont know what else to do. I have been to a neurologist, neuro surgeon, chiropractor (biggest mistake ever… I know have terrible neck and shoulder problems on the left side), and now i am with the anestesiologist. Has anyone had a headache that was caused by spinal deformity?
I had the epidural steroid injection done 2 days ago. For me it worked amazingly well. I have almost no pain in my lower back, and my right leg is completely back to normal. I am scheduled to return for the 2nd injection in a week, and look forward to the additional relief that may bring!
I had this procedure done yesterday. I feel as i’m gonna have a heart attack any minute.
I have a stiff sore neck and hand and arm numbness from a C5-C7 fusion. Physical therapy helps keep the pain and numbness from being worse, yet is not improving the situation. I had an epidural steroid injection this morning. The procedure took about 10 minutes. 3 hours out and my neck is less stiff and painful. My doctor said it could take about 5-7 days before I really feel a relief from the injection. Looking forward to sleeping at night with my arms and hands feeling as if they are intact!
I am not sure about this procedure. I have a very low tolerance for pain and explained that to the Doctor. I am afraid to have this done. What to do? I will call to talk with the nurse. The shoulder pain radiating from my neck.
I have had it for 8 months now. I started PT last week and the heat compress feels good but that’s about it. Any helpful advice? Is the injection painful????
I had the shots a few days ago and I feel great. I was suffering from sciatica due to a pinched nerve for 5 months. Tried everything first medication, physical therapy you name it. This is like a miracle. I am just sorry I didn’t do it sooner.
these injections can make your condition worse or cause a rupture to get larger because you are not feeling pain and do things that you would not do when feeling the pain, medications is much better as it relieves the pain but not for days on end where you may lift something heavy or do some activity that will cause futher damage
The injection is uncomfortable but tolerable , I was extremely nervous about it myself and found it to be not as bad as I thought it would be. I am pain free but I an still having issues with numbness. Good Luck.
I have had pain in my neck and left shoulder for the past year. I have been to the family Dr. many times and prescribed muscle relaxers and physical therapy. After this wasn’t working I had a MRI performed and it showed my disk between C5/C6 was herniated.
I went to a Orthapedic Surgeon and he recommended having a epidural shot. I went and saw a pain specialist and he also recommended the shot.
Last Friday I went into surgical services at the hospital and the Anesteioligist gave a epidual shot. Getting the shot did not hurt and the whole process was much less painful than I expected.
It’s been 3 days and I really haven’t noticed a lot of improvement. I am going to give it another week and then go and see the Anesteioligist for follow up. If I dont feel any improvement, then I’ll probrably go for another shot in a couple more week.
I hope this helps.
My son has Loin Pain Hematuria syndrome. Please if any one can tell us who at Cleveland Clinic diagnosed their loved one. My son is being seen at the Clinic now…..His Nephrologist is doing nothing to help. I may have to take him to Ohio State to see Dr. Hebert. But he is already at Cleveland Clinic..and we would like to stay in Cleveland if possible. Drew attempted suicide in March of this year because of this pain. Celiac plexusx Blocks at the clinic have not gone well. Last one caused an infection, spinal headache and back pain. He ended up in the Clinic for 2 days. Still they will not direct us to the right people to consider an auto kidney trainsplant. They act as if they have never heard of it. The person on this website who said they had been diagnosed at the Cleveland Clinic has a disabled email.
I would appriciate any help that you may have to offer. This disease has been a nightmare for Drew and his entire family.
Thank you.
Having this done on saturday will report later
ELIZABETH,Take pain meds before you go I take three. This helps alot. Try this.
I have had 6 shots over 2 year period. i still have EXTREME pain still.My periods were lasting longer with each shot. Some say that the shots do not cause that and yet it is not unheard of. I am as of my last shot in March 2nd, and its now April 18th, I still have my period. I all so have burning feeling(Sensation)starting around the shoulder going up the Neck to the Face. My arms want to lock in place with the pain going down to my fingers then they go numb and tingling. My Blood Pressure going up.My equilibrium is off, things are now blurry,and suffer from constipation. My Heart rate is also up.All this from shots if it had stopped the pain, But NO. If you think you can get a straight answer from a Doctor think again!
I just had (today) my second shot in the series, for neck and upper back pain due to 3 collapsed disks in my neck. I chose to not have sedation, but only local anesthesia, and there was not really any pain, mostly just a pressure feeling and a ERY warm feeling as the fluid was injected. It was very tolerable, my anxiety was worse than the shot. I did feel very tired the rest of the day and some soreness for about 36 hours, ice works great. Mostly I my muscle cramps in the neck and back were worse for about 48 hours, but again ice works great. Starting about the 3rd day, the first shot seem to give about 50% relief for about 14-16 days, and allowed me more range of motion. It also seemed to lessen my lower back and hip pain. My second shot was scheduled for 3 weeks after the first. I hope this second shot lasts a little longer and I continue to get at least 50% relief. The biggest side affect for me was feeling hungry more often.
I had an Epi. on my neck last week. I have since had
trouble swallowing. I had very bad leg spasms off and onyesterday,morning,noon,night, and during the night. What is happening?
I had a 3 series of shots and have been able to rest and use my back normaly now since the shots! Before I could not sleep confotably or just sit with out being in excrutiating pain. The shots worked well for me.
I’m sorry about your son. I know how he feels. I am 32 and have 3 young sons and was always very active and was in a boating accident 2 yrs ago. I have servere spinal damage. I’ve had one surjury. I’m allergic to steriods so can’t be treated that way. Are these blocks your son has a steriod drug? Does it make the pain worse? See I had one injection and I felt great for a month then the next I had severe pain and was hospitalized for 2 weeks then we tried oral steriods and had the same reaction. From what I was told it was a rare reation. The steriods can attack the damaged nerves. I wish u and your son much luck.I know its hard. Jennifer