Has anyone had epidural injections?

Question

went to doctor spine specialist finally wants to do the epidural injections if they do not help then surgery next ..again a another doctor that do not want to take time to answer question i been in pain for 10 months now i do not think they going to work everything i read says they try injections within 6-8 weeks of injury also sending me for nerve tests has any one had the injections and did they help and do you know how long ,it help after the injections and do you think it will help me being so long in pain any info would appreciate it

Answer 1

My mom injured part of her spine and tried epidural injections and physical therapy. I don't know how long she had them after her injury, but the pain ended up coming back worse than ever, so she eventually had surgery and after that all the pain was gone.

hope i helped

<3 Kendall

Answer 2

my husband has to have 9 epidural shots in his neck and back.he goes this friday.he had them before in his leg and it worked.it takes the pain away for a period of time.it starts working about 3-4 days after the shot was given.if that don't work then he will need back surgery,it seems he'll be heading down that road,because this pain has been so long.hes finally at that point to where he can't stand the pain any longer.

Answer 3

I've never had epidural, but as a helpful tip, I think if you post this question in the pregnancy or newborn section as well, you'll get more answers (from women who've had them). They say it usually takes like 20 minutes to kick in though and about 3-6 hours to start wearing off, but you can't feel anything below the injection site-- so no walking.

Answer 4

I went to a pain management center and had it done.   I drove myself out of there after it was over too.  It took sometime for it to kick in (a few days).  I was really scared that it did not help me.  A matter fact, the pain was worse.  I think about 4 days later or so it finally kicked in and then, I felt great.  I had a friend whose mom tried it and it did not work for her.  She had surgery.  I'm young and did not want to go down that road yet.  I just kept up being physical and lost weight.  Now I don't need injections or meds (keeping my fingers crossed with my herniated discs).  Good Luck!

Answer 5

My father had these injections in his spine for a slipped disk that he could not get fixed right away and he says that they really help with the pain. I think that they could help you in day to day activities. As for the doctor, don't ever go back to that one because if they do not care to answer a question then how can they care about your health?

Answer 6

You need to go to a pain clinic.  They can give you alot more options than a spine specialist can.  I've had nerve blocks (same thing) and they didn't help me at all and they are EXPENSIVE!  ($4,000 each!).  So; please get a price before you get them and get into a pain clinic.  Life is too precious to spend it in pain!!

Answer 7

Be advised that they are dangerous... I have had 4 and I have nothing but spinal problems. especially when someone touches my back in the area of the injections... Weigh out your options as you may rather opt for the operation

Answer 8

Yes they can help, but not always and not for everybody. I have had several, cervical and lumbar regions for herniated discs. The ESI that you are talking about is the same procedure as with a epidural that us women get before giving birth, but with a very much different medicine. They are both usually done by an Anesthesiologist.

The main purpose of the ESI when it comes to pain is as an deep internal anti-inflammatory directly over or within the injured spinal area.

Some people do say that they are very dangerous because the medicine that is used is not and was not intended for this use...but it works...and we all know of medicines that were created for one purpose but is found to work wonderful for something else.

Have you been to a pain management center? A pm center has several doctors of different medical backgrounds assembled in one building or office with the sole purpose of pain management.