has anyone had success with lumbar epidural injections, and did it require more than one?

Question

I have mild disc bulges at L3-4 and L5-S1, and my doc has advised a lumbar epidural injection. I am getting conflicting info on the web as to what it is exactly, and if this is going to hopefully resolve my issues. I was told I am not at all a candidate for any surgery, and this could very well 'fix' me. I have occasional mild pain into my right leg, it is very sporadic cramping always in my outer thigh. I had a lot of sciatic pain initially (6 mos ago) and a limp, but most of the symptoms have resolved with Phys therapy. curious if anyone has any imput

Answer 1

While there is no guarantees, epidurals have a good history of helping conditions such as you describe. I have been on both ends of this problem (I was an orthopedic nurse and have significant back problems myself). I have had the injections. They worked for me. But I have also seen them not work. Nonetheless, it is a pretty safe procedure, so if you are in significant pain, I'd certainly give it a shot (no pun intended).

I would definitely discourage you from considering back surgery unless you are in excruciating and unremitting pain and have no other options. Too many risks to approach surgery casually.

Answer 2

My mother in law has stenosis in several of her lower vertebra, the spinal cord is pressing against the inner wall of the spine causing pain. She began with injections around the spine - did not get much long lasting result - felt better a few days after but that was it. She has since had 3 series of 3 shots once a week inside the spinal column with very good result. The last shot was over a year ago. This was not a "fix" for her condition which still remains, surgery was recommended, but she refused, but it has been a great help in reducing the pain she was experiencing. There are some very good web sites that will help you to understand the process. Additionally, if surgery is recommended at a later date, my brother had two ruptured discs repaired in the late 80's. The morning after surgery, he was so much better and thrilled with the result - even with the trauma from surgery. He hadn't realized how much the pain had affected his every day movement until it was gone. Good luck.

Answer 3

They are actually calle spinal headaches. Yes they can be caused by an epidural injeciton but it happends like 1 of each 100 injecitons. not too common. Just be aware that the pain can get worst before it gets better, not in all cases again. Some patients get relief instantly. Its so worth it to try it. specially for those of us who have real pain..... Try it youll be fine let me know if I can help with anything else

Answer 4

Well, I would do something totally different, giving a real solution: Go for a manual one-time treatment called Atlasprofilax. The pressure on your discs will be distributed correctly (again) - and the discs can regenerate completely.

The effects are really amazing.

Just - the treatment is available in California and Europe only, costing approx. 220 dollars. It's really worth travelling far.

Answer 5

I helped with a doctor that ran a pain clinic. What he would do was place spinal needles in all the appropriate vertebral spaces next to the spinal nerves. Then once placed correctly, these needles were hooked up to a machine and radiofrequencies were transmitted through them. What I heard from the patients it worked fantastically. He is located at the pain management clinic at St. Francis Health Center in Topeka, KS

Answer 6

Same as me the disc I mean the first 1 helped for about 2-3 months the second one hurt me for life had the surgery never be the same.

Answer 7

yes, I had an epidural and it really helped with back pain and my right leg problems for about a week, when I told the doctor how much it helped he stopped them because it only lasted a week

Answer 8

It is hit or miss on the success of the treatments