According to the literautre the efficacy of epidural steroid injections for the treatment of herniated disc disorder is questionable. However, I personally know several people who greatly benefited from such injections. In fact, their problem is yet to return, and it was many years ago. Therefore I believe that these injections are worth trying, despite the fact that I received 4 injections by more than 1 Dr and had no pain relief whatsoever.
The point for the patient to evaluate before scheduling such injections is to verify that the dose of the steroid that the Dr wants to injects is not lowered after each injection, and that it is constantly high. There was one clinic that wanted to inject decreasing doses of steroids and I left this clinic to do other injections with a different Dr.
I also think that if these inejctions do not help for sciatic pain and the pain is intractable, it is time to start searching for a surgeon.
One additional point regarding epidural steroid injections is that I think that it is worth trying 3 injections. So if you don't have any benefit from the first 2 injections, it is still worth trying at least 1 additional injection.
Purposes:Fibromyalgia, Neck pain, and Pain in lower back(Started Nov 04, 2010)
Date
Dosage
Fibromyalgia
Perceived effectiveness
Neck pain
Perceived effectiveness
Pain in lower back
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Mar 09, 2011
As needed
Nov 22, 2010
As needed
Side effects:
Swelling in legs, feet and ankles
Date
Mar 09, 2011
Advice & Tips
The injection only worked for a month and VERY expensive, almost not worth doing except it did make it easier to walk
Cost
$25-49 monthly
Date
Nov 22, 2010
Advice & Tips
I used ice then a hot bath to ease the pain of the injection and OTC ib for the headaches which only lasted a day. It helped wth my arm pain and numbness. I am walking better because of it. Seems to help with pain but does not elimate all of it.
Purposes:Pain in shoulders and Neck pain(Started Nov 03, 2009)
Date
Dosage
Pain in shoulders
Perceived effectiveness
Neck pain
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Nov 18, 2009
As needed
Major
Major
Mild
Always
Not at all
Side effects:
Pain, Generalized weakness (asthenia), Injection site pain
Date
Nov 18, 2009
Advice & Tips
I was in so much pain I was willing to do anything. I was very nervous the night before, not really knowing what exactly was going to happen. After the procedure I had immediate relief in my shoulder I was so happy any pain I felt was worth it. Really the only pain I felt was the numbing medicine then everything was quick and over.
Purposes:Pain in lower back and Other(Started Apr 05, 2008)
Date
Dosage
Pain in lower back
Perceived effectiveness
Other
Perceived effectiveness
Side Effects
Adherence
Burden
Jan 01, 2009
As needed
None
None
Always
Somewhat
Dec 06, 2008
As needed
Moderate
None
Always
Somewhat
Date
Dec 06, 2008
Advice & Tips
be sure you are secure with your doctor doing the epedural i have had 2 different dr do this proceedure it was much easier with the second because i felt more confident and comfortable with him. made the experience much less tramatic
Pain, Generalized weakness (asthenia), Numbness in legs, Pain in legs, Pain in feet, Back pain, Numbness in back, Back pain worsened, Numbness in feet, Numbness in feet
Date
Nov 10, 2008
Advice & Tips
I would not reccomend for Fibro trtmt, due to the invasive procedure it could be what is classified as traumatic for your body and in turn cause more undue pain
Numbness in feet, Numbness in legs, Pain in legs, Pain in feet, Numbness in back, Back pain worsened, Inability to walk, Inability to stand, Back pain
Date
Sep 14, 2008
Advice & Tips
Please research the doctor the facility and former patients if at all possible. It is one of those things we tend to just go into blindly.
Date
Aug 29, 2008
Advice & Tips
Buyer Beware!! Please look under forum and look for post that says; Stuck with my decision. posted 8/29/2008. This advice comes from the first series of injections which took place January, February and March of 2008.
0 helpful marks
36 additional evaluations
for
Epidural Steroid Injection
are
not currently shared publicly.
Updating results…
0 helpful marks
