Hi msvjv,

Is this a cortisone injection in your hip? I'm assuming it is. Those are guided injections with the use of ultrasound.

I'm a little surprised that the injection is being used to identify the source of your pain. What did the xray of your hip show? If arthritis is present you could be experiencing pain from the hip joint. A cortisone injection would help with that.

I don't think an injection in the hip would relieve lower back pain. For that an epidural is usually administered into the lumbar spinal canal.

So it seems you're having pain in the hip, and your lumbar spine is compromised by some condition(s). These are two separate issues. A little more info from you would help, although your best bet is to call your Dr and get your questions answered.

Finally, a cortisone injection in the hip, or any joint, is not very painful. The injection site is cooled with liquid nitrogen spray first. The injection itself contains lidocaine to numb the injection as well as the cortisone. And pain relief is not immediate. It usually takes a few days for the cortisone to work if arthritis is the problem.

Problems with the spine are usually addressed by a specialist in spinal surgery, while the hips and knees are usually addressed by an orthopedic surgeon specializing in those areas.

Anyway make a list of questions and reach out to your Dr - or ask him/her when you get the injection. All the best to you!

Joe