See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

Smasch

760d

Has anyone had luck with epidural steroid injections for lumbar herniations? I have a 9mm central herniation at L4/L5 and had improvement in sciatic pain with a 5 day course of oral steroids. I was hoping this was indicative of the effectiveness of an epidural.

Top reply
    • luteallady

      676d

      My shot lasted 6 days. I'm going straight to surgery next.

    • luteallady

      676d

      My shot lasted 6 days. I'm going straight to surgery next.

    • KatCre

      693d

      They did nothing for me. I have degenerative disc disease & had a herniated disc L1S5. I had surgery in September of last year. Unfortunately most surgeons will send you through the ringer, physical therapy, injections etc. until they move to surgery. Even so, with surgery I still have pain but nothing like before. I’d say I’m about 80% better less than a year out. Advocate for yourself. If it’s not helping, make it known. It sounds promising in your case. Steroids gave me 0 relief. If you’re not doing physical therapy alongside the steroids or injections ask that your doctor order it. Good luck!

    • House_l

      706d

      It really helped me but then I got osteoporosis and had to stop.

    • Gidgetmom

      708d

      I had them in my lumbar twice. First lasted 9 weeks. My orthopedic Dr said it was too shirt. I had to beg for the 2nd one. It lasted 6 weeks. 4 mos later I had a nerve ablation. Lasted over 2 years. I had another 2 years later.

    • Babs112

      746d

      I gave up after the 4th injection and decided to do surgery. Been about 5 weeks post op. I can't believe I spent so many years in chronic pain.

      • Gidgetmom

        708d

        @Babs112 I am stunned you weren't offered a nerve ablation before surgery. From my understanding surgery is ONLY AS GOOD AS THE SURGEON.

      • blowfly

        708d

        @Babs112 this gives me hope.

      • SherMo

        712d

        @Babs112 I’m going to get my first shot this week. L5-S1 issues with numb I toes and leg.

      • SherMo

        712d

        @Babs112 what did you have done?

    • LindaKaye

      754d

      I was getting the shots for a year. I didn't find them helpful.

    • Jcm13

      756d

      I’m having the shot Monday. This is the second time that disk has been bad. I had surgery to repair it four years ago and in February it went bad again. Not sure if it’s another hernia or scar tissue so having a second mri soon with contrast. May be facing a second surgery with fixation this time. Hoping the epidural helps. I took oral steroids and got around a month of pain relief but also gained 3 pounds.

    • House_l

      756d

      I found it to be very helpful.

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

100% Free
100%
Free

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion