L5-S1 Issues; Steroid Injections

Posted by bajjerfan @bajjerfan, 6 hours ago

I'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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ProfEVL | @profevl | 5 hours ago

Over 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......