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Spinal steroid injections
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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dishpan, thank you so much for your input and information. I will definitely keep all of this in mind.
@marlenec Clearly over time and having frequent steroid injections can’t be good for any of us as they tend to weaken bones, so it’s a catch 22 really. My bone density has been low, but I take Premarin which I believe has helped. Taking thyroid medication increases the likelihood of one of the osteo conditions so what’s a person to do? I take 75 mcg of levothyroxine daily for hypothyroid. ( since age 18). And then if you take bone strengthening medicine that becomes problematic for dental implants!! I will have steroid injections till I have no other choices. I’m a type A personality so if I rest - I rust. I guess that has held me in good stead as moving is good. Teaching K and 1 for 43 years kept me moving as well, although admittedly I wear a large brace with those metal stays to hold me together when I am in a lot of pain. Medical marijuana helps with pain. I am
not a party kind of gal, so my card expired. I tried it twice. Since I have 10 children I didn’t want to have to explain that - although I am sure they would have been fine with it. Everything in moderation is probably ok, so I think infrequent steroid shots are not too problematic. I would say to explore all options before having a fusion. Even nerve ablation is a thought. Seriously, this growing up thing is highly overrated! 🙂 irene5
I’m on the same dosage of levothyroxine - have been since 1996 when half my thyroid gland was removed. I know that med isn’t great for bones either. Had been on Premarin but stopped during the pandemic - just resumed and I never thought about the effect that may have on bones. I get PT and acupuncture and those seem to help.
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1 ReactionGood for you. I was supposed to get acupuncture, but insurance wouldn’t cover it, so I never got it. I hear it is helpful. My spondylolithsesis is a problem, but my SI joints (right especially) cause me horrible pain. Sounds like we could be sisters . Lol. I have taken Premarin for years. The prior authorization is because of my bones. Over time it has helped my bone density improve. My back issues have always been secondary to my lung issues which started when I retired . I probably stayed too long in one moldy, asbestos filled school building. The custodians had to kick me out at night. I was “ that” teacher. Let me know how things go for you. I know I will have to have my SI joint done again sooner than later. Today is a heating pad and a back brace day if I am to vacuum up German shepherd hair! The robot isn’t good at that!! Blessings, Irene
Same to you. Yes dog hair is a challenge especially when GSDs do that molting thing with their coats! As for the asbestos/mold thing I actually worked in a school district that had to tear down and rebuild an elementary school due to mold.
I am 79 years old and have many many steroid injections into my L3L4 & L5 over the past 20-30 years. My physician has always believed in giving them quite close together - maybe 3-4 weeks apart. First injection reduces the first layer of swelling and inflammation and the second one goes after what inflammation is left. I also believed in prevention and not waiting until the pain was very difficult and probably was being produced by heavy swelling and inflammation.
Having just one 6 months apart really does not do anything and I find many people give up on getting more because they say "it doesn't work".
My spinal doctor even sent me a medial journal article validating the standard of practice with doing injections close together. It takes about 7-14 days to see results as the swelling/inflammation is reduced. After the last injection eight weeks ago, I was given a sheet of paper to complete daily/hourly as to how I was feeling, pain levels and where the pain was located. It really helped me see the difference/day and progress I was making.
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1 ReactionAfter having three epidural steroid injections 3-5 minths apart the last seemed to help less. My dr says Medicare will not cover them if given any shorter period of time. Is this true? My pain before inj is around 5-6 in 1-10 scsle, then 3 after.
Should I consider ablation?
Has anyone had success with RFA? Insurance does not cover this, and I'm interested in hearing about the success rate.
I have had some success with RFA. My insurance did cover part of it but I had a coinsurance. Good luck to you if you try it.
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2 ReactionsI had RFA early last year. At that time, I was having right & left leg pain. After procedure, left leg better but right leg pain returned. I recently had the MILD procedure. Now right leg pain free, but pain in my left leg now! Especially in the morning. Trying physical therapy again to see if that helps. May try dry needling too. Has anyone tried dry needling?