Fifty Plus (50+) - OT: Lumbar epidural steroid injections

Has anyone in the group had this type of treatment for back/leg problems? If so, what was the outcome? How long did it help? Any other information would be appreciated.

My MRI showed more damage than the x-ray and my doctor sent me to a specialist. I had the first visit today and after examination he's set up a treatment plan which includes a couple of these injections. My pain is almost gone but I have numbness and weakness in the left leg caused by pressure on the L4 nerve. Hopefully the steroid injection will improve this problem. I can still ride the bike but there is no standing to climb those hills as I never know when the left knee will buckle:notamused: I've seen a lot of improvement the past couple weeks and that's the only problem that remains.

I liked this doctor as he took the time to explain my problems in terms I could understand, went over the procedure with me and what to expect in the way of results. I just want to know experiences other might have had with this type of treatment.

I had two of these about 18 months ago. I hurt my back doing a sprint triathlon and could barely ride (>3 miles) or walk for about three months, so I opted for this instead of surgery. They worked great -- it took a few weeks but eventually I was able to return to regular activities. The downside for me was that the steroids themselves made me quite sick both times for about three days, but from what I was told this is not a common reaction. Even with the reaction if my sciatic nerve became this irritated again I would do it all over again. The procedure itself was no big deal.

Are you also getting physical therapy? My observation and experience is that a holistic approach involving best practices on a wide range of dimensions offers the best hope for the best outcome.

Beverly, my dad had the epidural injections several years ago, and his outcome was very successful. He mentioned it just a few months ago and I remember asking him if he had any further trouble later, and he said he didn't. He was very impressed with his doctor.

I had two of these about 18 months ago. I hurt my back doing a sprint triathlon and could barely ride (>3 miles) or walk for about three months, so I opted for this instead of surgery. They worked great -- it took a few weeks but eventually I was able to return to regular activities. The downside for me was that the steroids themselves made me quite sick both times for about three days, but from what I was told this is not a common reaction. Even with the reaction if my sciatic nerve became this irritated again I would do it all over again. The procedure itself was no big deal.

This is good to hear. I also opted for this procedure instead of surgery. My doctor said he knew surgery would be my last choice.

Fortunately I haven't had much pain except in the first week. The only remaining problem is the numbness and weakness in the left leg.

Are you also getting physical therapy? My observation and experience is that a holistic approach involving best practices on a wide range of dimensions offers the best hope for the best outcome.

Yes, there will be physical therapy after the treatments.

The specialist is a Physiatrist and I'm very impressed with him after the first visit. He evidently spent some time talking to my physician as he knew I was a cyclist, didn't like taking unnecessary medications, had been doing exercises to relieve the pain and surgery would be my very last choice. He didn't even mention surgery in his rehabilitation plan.

He indicated an EMG would be his next step if these injections didn't correct the problem 100%. Physical therapy will be started once I've completed the injections. In the meantime, I'm to continue with the stretching and other exercises I've been doing and not stand on the pedals to climb hills:)

Beverly, my dad had the epidural injections several years ago, and his outcome was very successful. He mentioned it just a few months ago and I remember asking him if he had any further trouble later, and he said he didn't. He was very impressed with his doctor.

Thanks Jen.

I've only talked to one person who didn't have success with these procedures but I don't put too much faith in her opinions:(

I've known her for several years and know she doesn't always do what the doctor suggests. She keeps switching doctors because she doesn't like what they tell her.....lose some weight, get more exercise, etc. She would rather take medications to relieve her problems instead of putting forth the effort to improve her health:( When her doctor suggested losing a few pounds might improve her situation she ignored him. Sometimes I just want to grab her by the shoulders and tell her to wake up to the fact she could be doing so much more to improve her situation. In addition to her back problems, she has high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea, etc.

I have had 2 series of 5 procedures. Because of the severe damage to my lumbar discs the punctures just made things worse for me. Ended up with a 2 level fusion to stop the herniations from recurring. Most people around these parts have told me the epidural injections worked for them quite well. I am just too far gone for them to help.

Bill

Beverly I have spinal stenosis and probably within 5 years will require surgery. On several occasions I have had the steroid injections. They worked for me, at least giving me some relief for a period of time. Others I know have said they got no relief. I am usually in so much pain alittle relief is better than none I guess.

I have the same problem you do. Due to the stenosis I have permanent numbness in the lower portion of my left leg. For awhile my left foot was "floppy" and still is but with alot of exercise (cycling helps) the floppiness has improved. I also have alot of pain in both knees but I think that is knee related as opposed to caused by my back. Also spin classes have really helped. I can practice standing on the spin bike without fear of falling over. That has helped to strengthen my leg.

Right now my best relief is by taking Tylenol and Aleve. That gives me more relief than anything.

I've known her for several years and know she doesn't always do what the doctor suggests. She keeps switching doctors because she doesn't like what they tell her.....lose some weight, get more exercise, etc. She would rather take medications to relieve her problems instead of putting forth the effort to improve her health:( When her doctor suggested losing a few pounds might improve her situation she ignored him. Sometimes I just want to grab her by the shoulders and tell her to wake up to the fact she could be doing so much more to improve her situation. In addition to her back problems, she has high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea, etc.
WOW are you talking about my wife? That is exactly what she would rather do, take a pill to make her better.
How can someone watch "The Biggest Loser" while eating a bowl of ice cream?
Sad part is there isn't anything you can do for them, it is something they have to do for themselves.

I never had the shots but I've had back surgeries & I know my first one after not using it everyday it got better but my doctor said the first time I would start working it I would be back on the floor.

I would say it is worth trying, if it doesn't work it was just a shot, when you have surgery there isn't much changing what happens when you are finished.

Good luck, back problems are not fun!!!!

I've been through the shots twice. First time I had no luck with it, but I certainly can't blame the shots - we were in a serious car accident on the way home from the hospital. 2nd time worked wonders. I still have back issues, but I saw enough relief that I would go that route again before I'd allow surgery.

I had similar issues - turn the "right" way and my left leg would just buckle.

-Roger

Thanks Jen.

I've only talked to one person who didn't have success with these procedures but I don't put too much faith in her opinions:(

I've known her for several years and know she doesn't always do what the doctor suggests. She keeps switching doctors because she doesn't like what they tell her.....lose some weight, get more exercise, etc. She would rather take medications to relieve her problems instead of putting forth the effort to improve her health:( When her doctor suggested losing a few pounds might improve her situation she ignored him. Sometimes I just want to grab her by the shoulders and tell her to wake up to the fact she could be doing so much more to improve her situation. In addition to her back problems, she has high blood pressure, heart problems, sleep apnea, etc.

It boggles the mind, doesn't it? I fixed my acid reflux by losing weight and changing my diet.... not one single purple pill! People have asked me why I didn't just take a pill so I could eat whatever I want. :eek:

My dad did take care of himself, exercised, did what the doctors said, etc. Maybe that is what makes the difference.

I wish you a full recovery, Beverly.

How can someone watch "The Biggest Loser" while eating a bowl of ice cream?


It's funny you should mention a bowl of ice cream:) After my doctor told me the results of my MRI I stopped at the grocery, bought a pint of Cherry Cordial ice cream and headed home to eat it! The next morning I felt horrible and swore never to do that again:twitchy:

I have had 2 series of 5 procedures. Because of the severe damage to my lumbar discs the punctures just made things worse for me. Ended up with a 2 level fusion to stop the herniations from recurring. Most people around these parts have told me the epidural injections worked for them quite well. I am just too far gone for them to help.

Bill

Thanks Bill.

I'm hoping the injections work for me. I have a few friends who have had back surgery and all of them were successful. I'm just a big wuss when it comes to any type of surgery.

I've been through the shots twice. First time I had no luck with it, but I certainly can't blame the shots - we were in a serious car accident on the way home from the hospital. 2nd time worked wonders. I still have back issues, but I saw enough relief that I would go that route again before I'd allow surgery.

I had similar issues - turn the "right" way and my left leg would just buckle.

-Roger

An accident on the way home....that's a real bummer.

I've had lower back problems from a diving accident at age 9. This is the first time it's involved the legs.

I should have mentioned that getting a professional bike fit and learning that I needed a longer stem helped later, too. When I'm in a proper position on the bike I put less strain on my lower back.

There, now we're back on topic. :-)

It's funny you should mention a bowl of ice cream:) After my doctor told me the results of my MRI I stopped at the grocery, bought a pint of Cherry Cordial ice cream and headed home to eat it! The next morning I felt horrible and swore never to do that again:twitchy:

The dreaded ice cream binge...and the guilt the next morning. Is there a 12 step program for this? :lol:

I've had sciatica several times and the last time I decided to try something a little different. Mind you my x-rays don't show any damaged or herniated discs, just a slight compression, so I bought an incline table and started using it. It helped by the second day. The idea is to get a little fluid to return to the area by slightly stretching the back. It's really helped me and it's great for a more long term maintenance program. Of course, my results may not be typical, but it did help me. It's great for incline sit-ups too. ;) Good luck.

The dreaded ice cream binge...and the guilt the next morning. Is there a 12 step program for this? :lol:

I've had sciatica several times and the last time I decided to try something a little different. Mind you my x-rays don't show any damaged or herniated discs, just a slight compression, so I bought an incline table and started using it. It helped by the second day. The idea is to get a little fluid to return to the area by slightly stretching the back. It's really helped me and it's great for a more long term maintenance program. Of course, my results may not be typical, but it did help me. It's great for incline sit-ups too. ;) Good luck.

It was those ice cream binges that caused my weight gain years ago:eek:

I have a weight bench with an incline and I've found it feels good to lift weights using it. I've found most exercises that stretch my back seem to help.

I go for the first injection Monday. I'm planning to do an out of town ride Saturday so I'm hoping I'm able to ride by that time. The doctor indicated I should be able to resume regular activity the next day.

One bout of back misery, series of (3) injections; first one, small help - second, maybe - third, no help.

Another bout of back misery (much worse) - saved by a "selective nerve root block"
hooked up to the flouroscope, doctor puts the needle right on the nerve root - where it leaves the spine.
Not as scary as it may sound, big help.

I think the big three are physical therapy, and lots of it - anti-inflmatory drugs, Ibuprofen - and the injections.

Im headed that way soon again, after being rear-ended in the car in December.

Best of luck,
Jeff, still fat

I have epidural steroid injections mostly in the winter. Once spring comes and I can ride 10 -15 miles a day on my recumbent I'm totally pain free till the snow flies. Then one or two epidural steroids holds me over the winter. But the recumbent bike is by far the best. In all honesty, evrything else, (and I've tried everything else,) was pretty useless!
I wish I had a small collapsable bent to take south for the winter!

Did nothing for me. Of course neither did innumerable other treatments and major back surgery.

Had them for spinal stenosis 2002, actually seemed to make it worse so I ended up having surgery. 5+ Laminectomies. That worked on the severe pain very well although it made my back super stiff. Used to be able to put my hands flat on the floor easily but now have to work to get past just the knees.

Before the surgery I was having trouble just walking up the slightest incline or just picking up a bucket of water but I could still ride (common with stenosis).

I still have what they say is Peripheral Pneuropathy in my legs, drop foot, a bit of staggering feeling when walking and I go through periods when my left knee just caves in out of the saddle.

Osteoarthritis in the back is the other clincher. Oh hell, I gripe a lot but I can still ride pretty decent.

so, Beverly, how are things? did you have the injections? any difference?

so, Beverly, how are things? did you have the injections? any difference?

Yes, I had the injections Monday morning. I'm more impressed with this doctor after each visit. He talked me through the entire process and I knew exactly what to except at every minute. I was pleasantly surprised as there was absolutely no discomfort with the procedure.

Today I have very little numbness in the left leg and the strength seems to be coming back:thumb::thumb:

I'm scheduled for the last injection in a couple weeks. I'm hoping these fix my leg problem completely.

Beverly: Earlier this year an MRI confirmed that I had a moderate to large herniation of the disc between my L4 and L5 vertebra. I was in significant pain. Anti-inflammatory medication provided little relief. My back pain diminished incrementally with each of the three injections that I received. What was pain is now merely discomfort. The cortisone injections help reduce the inflammation of the impinged nerve. The sciatic nerve emits a chemical when it is impinged (squeezed by the disc) and this chemical in turn further aggravates the herniated disc. Calming the nerve helps the damaged disc heal. Stretching exercises, watching ones posture, and avoiding overtaxing ones back are all essential to a meaningful recovery. The size of the herniation certainly affects the probability of a successful recovery. Hope this helps. Hotwired in Milwaukee