What is the next step if an Epidural Steriod Injection does not work? Other forms of pain relief?

Question

I was in a 4 car pile up a month and a half ago. I recieved 2 impacts from the rear and my car hit the car infront of me 1 or 2 times. I had bad neck and back pain immediately and went to see my doctor. I went to a Chiropractor who did several things including an MRI which showed 2 bulging disks in my lower back, then told me to see a pain management doctor. This doctor has done 2 epidural steriod injections which have not worked. My questions is , what would be a good next step? My doctor only said he would need to do a few more tests, but wouldn't go into more detail. Has anyone had to have more the Epidural Steriod Injections? What did you have done and what worked to relieve your pain in either your neck or lower back?

Answer 1

The first thing is to not be in a hurry. I know that is hard to do when you  are hurting. Any invasive procedure can never be reversed. You can never go back and undo a surgery. I have been undergoing continuous since 1992. Another thing, what ever you decide to do, get a second opinion before you go ahead with it.

The epidurals usually are in groups of three. The shot is putting steroids near your vertebrea and it takes a while before you see results, although you may not. They don't work for everyone.

One big problem with the spine is that it is extremely difficult to see what is actually causing the pain. It could be the bulging disks, but it may not. Disks will usually go back into position with mild exercise. Your pain doc might send you to a physical therapist, that helped me some.

There are a lot of things that can still be done before surgery. There are nerve blocks, denervation, and others.

I rushed into a Laminectomy which only lasted several years, I have also had a decompression and fusion, which didn't work either. I now have a pain pump implanted. That is kind of a last resort.

I know that it does hurt, but please don't be in too big of a hurry, you can never back up.pp

Answer 2

discectomy ,