Herniated disc

Hi. I recently has shots on my neck area for herniated disc, pinched nerve and stenosis. I was having severe pain. 5 days after the injection I feel better. Good luck to you. I hope you feel better soon.

Thanks. I’m just hoping to get in to see someone soon. Did you go to Mayo Clinic in Minnesota or from a different place?

@ktgirl I've had many epidural steroid shots for my herniated discs in the lumbar region. It's a very common procedure. Where are you reading that they are not approved? Have you reached out to a pain clinic? I hope you get relief soon - I'm in bed today because my back pain is so bad, waiting for another shot. Hope you feel better soon!

Do you know what drug they are injecting? I stumbled onto a video of Dr. Oz who I take with a grain of salt! But he said the FDA has never approved the epidural injection into the spine. I’m not real smart on this stuff but it sounded like there’s too much of a chance that they can damage the spinal cord if they don’t get the needle in correctly. I think if they are guided by a cat scan it’s much better. Is that what you have had? Did you have them done in Rochester Minnesota or are you from somewhere else? I would be going to Rochester if they ever call!

Here are the results of a simple Google search: https://www.google.com/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=steroid+injections+lumbar&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8
There are all sorts of explanations, videos, etc.

It is done under fluoroscopy (X-ray guidance) so that the doctor can see exactly where the medicine needs to go. I'm in Boston, but I know people all over the country who have this done in various parts of their body, 3 of my friends in their lower back.

I'm wondering if you might be thinking of another, perhaps experimental kind of injection other than steroids ... ?

I went to my Pain Management Dr. I want to go to Mayo but they don't take my medical insurance.

I do think that if they are injected by someone with a lot of experience it is fine. I have been to physical therapy three times. The last time was yesterday. I was in more pain all day afterwards. I’m not sure if I’ll go back or not. Are you able to work. I’ve been off work for three weeks already. I work retail at Kwik Trip gas station/ convenience store. I tried working last week but couldn’t make it past 4 hours. I am going on FMLA starting now. I’ve been there only one year now so I don’t have any sick leave. I just need to get some help fast so I can get back to work.

I have had 8 of them over the course of 6 years, all but one have helped. No guarantee of course, but I would get one if you can, they will not cure your back issue, but the relief you hopefully get will make one worth it, good luck. Also, the relief does not last forever, reason for my 8, but any relief is helpful

I have finally heard from Mayo and I can get it September 23rd so I am happy with that. My back is the same now. I will get an evaluation first and then see a surgeon after that. I guess we’ll see what they want to do.

@ktgirl Mayo will take good care of you. That sounds a little bit like me, I got an appointment at the end of September and had surgery in November. I saw the neurologist first who ordered blood tests, MRI, and nerve conduction studies (not my favorite). I also was referred to see a thoracic specialist because I also have thoracic outlet syndrome, and they did doppler studies and confirmed all of that. The last appointment was with the neurosurgeon. Take some time while you are there to enjoy the artwork and listen if someone is playing one of the pianos. Write down your questions before you go. Some hotels are walking distance and others have shuttles. If you are driving, the parking deck fills up by mid day, so be early. There are computers with internet in the waiting areas. I was very impressed with my Mayo experience. I had a ruptured C5 C6 and had a single level fusion with a bone graft done without hardware. I stayed in a neck brace for 3 months until it fused and that was worth it. Let me know if I can answer any questions for you. Everyone at Mayo was so compassionate are caring. My surgeon was excellent and I had great results. You might enjoy my story. The picture in the story was taken in the check in waiting area at St. Mary's Hospital where I had my surgery. https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/