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Anyone had steroid injections into the lumbar area? Relief? How long?
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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Thank you!😊
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.
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.
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2 ReactionsI've had spine issues for a number of years. Recent MRI and CT scans have indicated something going on with L5-S1. Saw a new pain doc today. Some good news [to me] is that I'm probably not a good candidate for SCS or even the Sprint PNS approach either. Next week I am going to try a steroid cocktail in the L5-S1 area. My understanding is that he is very good at knowing where to put the needle. If it works I could probably live with having it done once or twice a year for the rest of my days.
Anyone have anything to report good or bad with L5-S1 treatments.
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2 ReactionsOver the last 14 years, I've had facet joint injections, epidurals, nerve root sleeve injections and rhizotomies. The reason I've had so many is because they have worked for me, notably the facet joint injections. I also took the approach that I'd have "top-ups" once or twice a year, and that strategy worked extremely well with lower back pain, notably L4 down to S1. My injections started under local anaesthetic under a CT scanner, but after a few years I needed multiple injections for a wider area and that moved me to general anaesthetic, but still just a day procedure.
This year, things have changed slightly (i.e. a lot) - read my "ALIF with Pedacle Screws" post I put up yesterday. It's a biggie......
I don't know about that specifically but do you have osteoporosis ?
@bajjerfan
Yes!, I find them to be useful, I have 2 injections twice a year as you can have them every 3 months if need be as well, fyi ...I go for 2 next month can't wait. Oh and you are awake and there is some pressure and a stinger/shock type feeling but that just means they hit the spot, all good and they talk you thru it all...If you are anxious like me ask and they will give you a cool cloth for your forehead and play some music...it's all worth it too IF they work for you, as some don't get any relief all depends on your body system etc.. I am lucky been having these for years everywhere heh.
@annie1
I have bone density studies as a part of my research visits and so far I think I'm good on that. It's one artifact of having hypercortisolism.
@rockinrene65
TY for your input.
I've had a number of epidurals over the years, none of which helped. The L5-S1 will be my first there. They can be a little uncomfortable. I survived L1-L5 fusion with no pain pills so I can get through this one.
@bajjerfan Unfortunately, I cannot tell you about successful epidurals in the spine. I have had three epidural injections, the first two were T12-L1 area, and the third was at T11-T12. This third one is after I had L5-S1 fusion surgery back in November, and I am still having right side oblique/flank pain.
The first two injections did not do anything. It was not worse, but it was not better. However, the third injection was back in February, and two things are different. This third injection hurt like hell during the procedure, where the first two i barely felt. The doctor was hoping it was a good sign, meaning he found the right area. Unfortunately, I am still in pain and have cramping/spasming muscles in my right flank all day, every day.
So, the fusion surgery seems to be a success, as I have no pain in my lower back/spine where the surgery took place. But I have not had any luck with epidurals/nerve blocks.