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Originally posted via MayoClinic.Org
Epidural steroid injections are usually limited to just a few a year because there's a chance these drugs might weaken your spinal bones and nearby muscles. This isn't caused by the needle — it's a possible side effect of steroids.
Steroid injections can also cause other side effects, including skin thinning, loss of color in the skin, facial flushing, insomnia, moodiness and high blood sugar. The risk of side effects increases with the number of steroid injections you receive.
Epidural steroid injections contain drugs that mimic the effects of the hormones cortisone and hydrocortisone. When injected near irritated nerves in your spine, these drugs may temporarily reduce inflammation and help relieve pain.
But steroid injections also disrupt your body's natural hormone balance. Delaying repeat injections allows your body to return to its normal balance.
It's important to carefully weigh the potential risks and benefits of long-term epidural steroid injections. If you're in pain between epidural steroid injections, you might ask your doctor about other treatment options for back pain.
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I am a 78-year-old male, experiencing Spinal Stenosis (L4/5), have had several steroid injections, but do not help very much, I am considering a Vertiflex Implant. I would appreciate any suggestions.
following
Nico, you may wish to join others in this related discussion:
- What's your experience with Vertiflex Superion Implant?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/veriflex-superion-implant/
If your pain is coming from disc pain or disc bulge, there is a chance The risottos might not be super beneficial for you. The rhizotomy typically deal with facet arthropathy.
I’m interested to see if anyone has had this done.
I fell 8 years ago...MRI indicated bursitis L4/L5, PT, Chiropractor...no help. Orthopedic dr. told me I have one leg longer than the other. My problem has gone from pelvic tilt to muscle imbalance and now I am experiencing a leakage. Every day I have moisture on the left side of my body...I am soaked when I wake up in the morning because it seems to be worse at night. I've told my PT and Dr. but they have no clue what is happening. My alignment is better (thanks to daily stretching and exercise but the "leak" remains constant. I have pain and I think the leak is a punctured bursa sac. My doctor thinks it is just sweat. Has anyone else experienced a leak/moisture after an injury? What caused it and how was it fixed? I have been to so many doctors and they all seem to read from the same book. I need an expert who can dig in and find the answer to my problem.
I have had severe lower back pain off and on for ten years. I’ve tried every treatment available from PT to spinal injections and nothing has given me any long term relief. I was recently referred to a neurologist and am hopeful that this will be my last stop! I have been prescribed Neurontin 600 ml. daily which has greatly reduced the pain. Next month I’ll be having an ablation which I’m hoping will reduce or eliminate the pain for a longer period of time. I’ll let you know!
@micki5
I have struggled with the same problem for 2 decades. shots did nothing for me but ablation helped I experienced relief for 6-9 months. Since 2012 I have had a morphine pump, I've had great results. It is so much better than pain meds, a continual dose is dispensed by a catheter in your spinal canal. Keeping trying to find what works, like you, I have had many kinds of treatment. Keep moving forward.