spinal epidural

[Salty]

My doctor suggested to me this morning that I get an epidural in my lower back to help relieve some of the pain. I've heard success stories and (some) horror stories about this procedure which only seems to work (if at all) for a couple months. I'd like to hear from anyone that's had this done and how it affected you. Also, what is involved with getting an epidural?

[mriguy]

Steroids injected into the epidural space of your spine. I've seen it work wonders on a lot of people, but is usually not a permanent solution. Most times they become less and less effective. I would definately go this route before spinal fusion

[wetaline]

Had this done several times. First time, it really worked well. Felt so good to have some relief from the pain. Each time after that, the amount of time to be pain-free was less and less.

[Slidellkid]

I don't know, but I wish you the best. Back pain is no fun.

[Bluechip]

I had it about 10 months ago. No problems so far but the doctor said the shots won't last forever but I have no regrets.

[Fishinpawpaw]

Never had it. But had 3 diskectiomies. And doing good. No fusions. My doc says treat the problem. As a nurse I see people with lumbar fusions, most times problem just moves higher up the spine. I also fish and do my own repairs on several rental houses. Of course some days I over do it. Good luck with any choice you make. Get as much info as you can.

[eman]

took the wife this am for her third one in 8 months. first one gave her 2 months relief. 2nd one almost no relief .Doc changed the meds this time .Takes a few days to see how much it will help

[tjh]

Had shot last January and it did help me for about a week then had to have surgery called microdisctomy and that took 3 months to heal up after theropy but fine now. Hope yours go better than mine. Good luck.

[youmyboyblue]

Over Memorial day I went to Destin with my family and a buddy and his family. Well my buddyliterally layed in bed some days because of his back. He got an epidural shot and we played golf this past weekend.

Now, I can;t give you the medical diagnosis of what he has compared to etc.. All I know is the shot helped him dramatically.

Good luck

[Goooh]

Epidural will not relieve symptoms of "ButtHurt".

Hope it helps your back though!

[inchspinner]

My pops gave epidurals mostly for births but did your kind too for 20+ yrs before he retired and never had a problem with a patient, but its all in the person/persons performing the procedure!!! Good luck!

[gasdad]

Definitely worth getting epidural steroid injection vs back surgery. Some people may have to get injections 3-4 times before really good result. Depends how irritated your nerve root is. Please try everything you can such as steroid injections, physical therapy, exercises, lose weight if you're obese, etc. Back surgery, as you probably know is no miracle cure. Many times the conservative route is well advised.

[Salty]

Thanks for the responses. That's pretty much the same as I found on the internet from people that had it done. I've had 2 spinal fusions and there is nothing else they can do for me as far as surgery. How about the procedure itself? Do they put ya out? My buddy told me the needle is the size of a Winston Light.

[Bluechip]

I never saw the needle. They give you an IV and some good drugs while your laying on a table that elevates your back and butt..... And it's over shortly after that. Only thing I felt was a numbing shot.

Never knocked me out.

[inchspinner]

Needles are long and bendable, needle slides out the casing and in goes the injection.........

[bjhooper82]

Originally Posted by Goooh

Epidural will not relieve symptoms of "ButtHurt".

Hope it helps your back though!

[mikedatiger]

I have had three injections which did absolutely nothing - And they knocked me out to do it. Radiofrequency treatment did help with my sciatic pain but my back still hurts like heck.

[Msucowpoke51]

Originally Posted by Goooh

Epidural will not relieve symptoms of "ButtHurt".

Hope it helps your back though!

Lol

[gasdad]

Needle size is 17 gauge. They numb the site up first with local using a smaller gauge (21-22) needle. Once numbed up you should just feel pressure of needle insertion. Depends where you go to have it done, some places give IV sedation during procedure some don't. Women in labor have this type epidural done all the time without sedation. The women of course are not getting steroids but are getting local anesthetic in the epidural space instead of steroids.

[drbones]

If u have a disc problem I would suggest finding a chiropractor that does disc decompression traction. You can do both! I am a chiropractor with a disc problem and it has worked for me and my patients. I work with a pain management md all the time!