Spinal steroid injection for lumbar herniated discs

Cortisone is a steroid.

I have had it done numerous times and had the nerve ablation where they burn the nerve which worked best .. pain not much worst then a little jab with a sewing needle .. by the time your brain registers the pain it is pretty much over ... and of course the skills of the dr. makes a difference also.

Yes.
Corticosteroids are a group of steroid hormones naturally produced by the adrenal glands.
They include cortisone and cortisol which have anti-inflammatory properties.
Synthetic versions of corticosteroids, including hydrocortisone and methylprednisolone, are often used as medications, including injectables, to reduce inflammation and pain.

I haven't heard of "nerve ablation" for herniated discs and relief of pain.
I understand what ablation means, used in cardiac arrhythmias, but could you provide more information about the use of nerve ablation for herniated discs? Sounds interesting.

procedure is pretty much like the shots except they put a thin needle in and tickle it with current to see if it is in the right place where the pain is coming from. Then for about 15 to 30 seconds feels like someone taking a magnifying glass and pointing it at one point on your back ... no real pain to it .. then for a day or two later feels like a slight sunburn .. other odd side effects .. scratch your butt and you will feel it in your lower back .. no pain just like the nd of a nerver ...I'm jumping through hoops now trying to get the insurance company to approve treatment again ... it has been over two years so they won't go right to the nerve ablation .. will make you do shots first .. I wish I would have done the nerve ablation years ago like a miracle ..

Thank you, but I will be asleep for the procedure. I had a CT scan done so the MD can see where the "damage" is.
Obviously you were awake for the procedure. Wonder if it makes a difference?
When I had my consultation with the MD he told me he had done "18" procedures the day before and ALL were asleep for it.
Do you have more information on the nerve ablation? I know what ablation is but don't know how it would work - the procedure - for herniated discs. Thank you!

This sounds very interesting. I have a herniated disc in my neck. Trying PT now. Next step is a cortisone shot. I didn't know about this procedure. Thanks for the information.

most insurance companies will make you do PT first ... then meds ... then the shots .. it's all a process and you are the guinea pig in the whole thing sad to say ..

I was having severe pain in my hip and had a back MRI. It showed Bulging discs and spinal stenosis. I had a steroid injection into the spine while asleep and had almost no pain when I awoke back in recovery. I felt good all that day but the next day the pain came back somewhat more severe. For the next 6 weeks, I was so shaky I could not write legibly, could only sleep for a couple of hours at night and had horrible hot flashes. I was miserable with more pain. I was on 10 mg of prednisone for PMR and my endocrinologist said I had WAY too much steroid in my body. Rheumatologist also injected my shoulder which is bone on bone with more steroid during this time. I consulted a different spinal surgeon and he x rayed my pelvis upon arrival and saw my right hip was bone on bone. He recommended I have hip replacement and see how much of my pain after was from my back. I confronted pain management asking why did you not x-ray my hip? They said they made a mistake. So, just make sure of the source of your pain before having this injection. I had my hip replaced ten weeks ago and my pain is much less now. Best wishes on getting your pain under control.

First, thank you for sharing your perspective.
I have no pain in my hip - however your suggestion about an x-ray for the hip is well thought of. I know there is such a thing as "referred pain"...what you think the pain source is - is not.
What you described post spinal injection truly awful! And more than frightening.
Yes, my x-ray and CT scan showed exactly what your MRI showed. Bulging discs, spinal stenosis and disc degeneration (no surprise at age 68).
My pain is 24/7. Of course, much improved vs. 5 weeks ago when it first started. At times, numbness in my legs and I believe I am having nausea, at times, from this constant pain. Right now is it livable? Yes, it could be BUT it is more than annoying. I use a heating pad daily. And take no medication for pain. I am sensitive to lots of medications now at my age...never when I was younger.
I am scheduled for this procedure next week but thinking of waiting this week for 2 more PT sessions which I suppose is helping to strengthen my back but not really improving the pain.
I very well might delay it. And ask for an x-ray of my pelvis/hip.
Glad to hear your pain is much less now!