Spinal steroid injections

Posted by chuckiepoo1 @chuckiepoo1, Feb 16, 2023

Recently I had X-rays and MRI of the lower back after about a very severe pain for weeks. The diagnosis was osteoarthritis and moderate to severe degeneration of L4, L5 and S1. I can't control the pain somewhat with medications but do not like taking too much of these. My orthopedist has suggested I try steroid injections which may give relief for up to 6 months, but if the relief turns out to be short-term it is not a good option. Has anyone had the steroid injections into the lumbar area? If so, what were the results and how long did the relief last? I am 78 years old and have been very active all my life, and maybe this is the problem. The only other option suggest it was Fusion but I had rather stay away from that as long as I can.

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dishpain | @dishpain | Sep 9 6:10am

In reply to @cynthi13 "Thank you your response. Wishing you good luck on your procedure." + (show)

Thank you!😊

besmith57 | @besmith57 | Sep 9 7:29am

In reply to @cynthi13 "How long before these injections provide relief? I had them done 2 days ago and am..." + (show)

I had bilateral injections a few weeks ago and they did nothing. I'm seeing my pain specialist on Thursday so I'm hoping for a better suggestion. I had a bilateral fusion in 2022 and I still have constant pain. Can't stand or walk for more than five minutes.

mayomayo8171948 | @mayomayo8171948 | Sep 9 11:21pm

I'm 76 and have suffered from serious lower back pain and left leg pain and left foot numbness since early January of this year. Xray and MRI imaging of my lumbar region revealed spondylolisthesis at L4, L5, S1. Three days ago I received a corticosteroid epidural injection in the L5-S1 junction ( Dr. Park, Campbell's Clinic, Germantown, Tennessee) and today I am totally pain free!!!! I don't know how long this pharmaceutical miracle will last, but it makes it possible (1) to continue losing weight and (2) to strengthen my back and abdominal muscles with a daily, self directed physical therapy program. I recommend walking laps in a swimming pool to minimize the adverse effects of body weight on knees and ankles, and to eliminate the possibility of falling down while walking. I am going to do everything possible to delay the six (6) hour lumbar fusion operation Dr. Keith Williams recommended when the MRI results came back in early June of this year.