Has anyone had an experience with an Epidural Steroid Injection in their lower lumbar area?

Question

I have been diagnosed with a degenerative disc and the dr suggested an ESI (Epidural Steroid Injection). I was wondering if anyone has had one and what to expect with it. He said that he isn't going to knock me out just numb the area. After that what happens? Does the pain go away quick or does it take a while? Any advice will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Answer 1

After the injection it will take about a week before you feel The total effects of the injection. Sometimes the Pain disappears immediately. This is going to take down the pain tremendously. Many people get relief for months, some people permanently. it varies from person to person.

Answer 2

Hey! I'm sorry to read of the discomfort you're experiencing....I, too, deal with mild to extreme back pain - depending on the day - and, although, my affliction is between T11, T12 & L1 vertebrae (collapsed & disintegrating) - I'd like to say I know what you're going through, but I don't and I'm not exactly sure what a "Bulging" disk/vertebrae is...(??) (If you could explain it, that would be great! If not, no worries!) You've written that you work out a lot...And working out is great, but... May I suggest a few pilates or yoga classes (??) - They both provide excellent core training and stretching techniques that may (within a few regular session) assist in easing the pain you experience.... I apologise for not having any information on steroid injections, but through past experience I've realized that pain killers and such are just bandaid solutions to the problem. I do hope that you are able to minimalize your pain - whatever way you go. Take care. Alyssa

Answer 3

I had 6 epidural injections and will never let them do another one on me again , ,This Dr blew my spine out and the medication leaked out I went with very very extreme pain and the next day I could not even move because of the pain was so bad I had to call a rescue squad to come and that mr to the epidurdural shots are horriabl and vry dangersIwillbethinkinabut yu melissaouis

Answer 4

i have DDD in my c-spine, and i had 3 ESI done. the worst part of the procedure is the injection of the numbing medication. after that you'll feel pressure in the area. it's a little uncomfortable, but not too bad. for me, several hrs after the injection my neck and upper back were very sore, and stayed that way for a couple days. after all the injections, i'd say that they helped relieve some of my pain.

Answer 5

Dont do it!!! you will gain about twenty to thirty pounds for each shot, you will have a raging appetite, red face, sweaty face, headaches, nightmares, the pain only goes away for about two weeks and it is just not worth it. I got talked into it for my neck and had it done while I was awake, every three weeks for a year, I got so fat and bloated I was just miserable, I had to have surgery anyway,,, it just makes you fat, bitchy and bloated... causing worse pain. Please do not do it, they will admit that it is just temporary, they told me it would last for six months... it didnt!!! I was mad then they kept saying that they may have missed the spine.. great.. so I was in so much pain I kept letting them do it, but it never worked, I still have like fifty pounds too lose because the weight stays on for a minimum of two years, yes two years!! I went from a size five to size one X, it ruined my social life... so be prepared to lose all of your friends, have family stare at you if you eat a carrot, and men just ignore you... totally.