Seeking information re epidural injection for spinal stenosis pain

Not for me, but it doesn't mean that it won't help you tho.

Yes, on numerous occasions.
I go for a "top-up" every 8 to 10 months, under general anaesthetic, and have multi-level injections in one theatre session. The injections are performed under a CT scanner.
It takes around 5 days for the steroid to kick in, and then once it does, I can commence exercising to try and build core strength to make the relief last longer.
The facet joint injections, with an epidural, reduce inflammation in the area which allows for increase nerve space (reduced impingement) and hence less nerve-induced pain.
While I've had continuous injections over 15 years, the beneficial impact is lessening by the shot.
It's worth giving it a go because it is one of the least invasive courses of action one can take. Unfortunately, it doesn't work for everyone.

@profevl
Thanks so much for your reply. I’m leaning to avoid having an injection for as long as possible. I’m able to manage for now. Some days it’s easier than others. I fear having an injection may introduce an infection to my body and think that if I delay and only have the injection later it will work when all else fails.

@shrinkette
I had them for about 5 years, It was a wonderful feeling to get rid of probably 80-90% of the pain and have a normal life. But everyone is different. The risk of infection is pretty minimal (1 in 10,000). They helped me a lot then unfortunately have quit.

It does make a big difference in who does it. just like anything else some are better than others.

I would always try Gokhale Primal Posture method before moving to more invasive interventions.

@jlssurplus Thanks so much for your feedback. I’m leaning to postpone the injection for a later date. Will continue with PT for now.

I did get some temporary pain relief from the epidural, which is what they said to expect. Some get longer lasting relief. I also have left side numbness due to the spinal stenosis and they had to do a second epidural directly to the nerve that has provided some numbness and pain relief.

@shrinkette Some people don’t do as well as others with steroids, and they can interact with other meds..independent medical opinions a good idea.

@nycmusic Thanks so much for your opinion.

Does anyone know the possible reasons why it doesn’t work for some? I had four injections (interlaminar epidural lumbar; then facet, diagnostic or therapeutic agent, single level and 2nd level; and then anesthetic or steroid into joint between lower spine and hip bone, with methylprednisolone acetate , 40 mg.). I don’t know what any of this means. I’m just reading off my statement.

I remember getting out of bed one morning and walking to the bathroom with no pain. That lasted maybe an hour. That was the only pain relief from the injections.

The doc ( a physiatrist) then said sorry; the only recourse left is surgery or hydrocodone. He also said he thought it was the arthritis hindering results.

Five weeks ago I had the MILD procedure with a pain management doctor, one with that extra fellowship (from the Cleveland Clinic) I heard a spine doctor should have for the MILD procedure. Thought I saw improvement in the length of time I could stand or walk after 3 weeks but now not so sure. It sometimes takes 3 or 6 months for results. Wondering if the bulging disc and/or arthritis could affect results. Does anyone have any ideas? Jackie in Buffalo