Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I got a herniated disc during pregnancy and it is leaning on my thecal sac and causing me pretty bad pain for months now. It is only on my right side, lower back, upper butt and wraps around my front and down my leg.

I tried physical therapy and an oral dose of steroids. No relief!

My next step is an epidural shot, making the appointment for next week. If that doesn't work it is time to see a neurosurgeon and discuss possible surgery

I am so scared but also getting depressed about being in pain for this long.

Any advice or words of wisdom encouraged

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I had 3 epidural shots for 2 herniated disk in my lower back, I hope that it works out for you. The only thing that has helped me with the pain is Bayer, Back & Body.

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

A friend of mine had them. They helped alot.

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I had 3 for a lumbar disc and 2 for a cervical. the first 2 for the lumbar helped for a short time. couple of weeks for each, the 3rd one did nothing, which is why i ended up going for a microdisectomy. The story is alot longer, and probably not what you want to hear. feel free to PM me, if you want details.

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

My mother did and it helped a lot. She did not want to have surgery so she does this a few times a yr (she is only allowed 3 I believe) and kinda lives with the pain....but she went from not walking to being much better

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

they tried to do this for me - but i had a pinched nerve compressing my spine. They were not able to find the nerve and they stuck me upwards of 10-15 times.

Imagine my sadness - seeing that same doc who stuck me the day of my surgery...i started shaking....

but i woke up from the surgery remarkably happy and pain free.

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I did a series of three shots for a bunch of herniated discs/buldging discs in my lower back.

I refused to go for the surgery, so I did the shots with physical therapy. After therapy I worked on toning my stomach and lower back which helped out A LOT!!!

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I have had several. the first one in each series helped a little, but didn't last. each time i wound up having surgery--1 minor, 1 major. the minor surgery bought me a few years. i'm feeling great now 6 months after the fusion.

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I had one a few years ago. Awsome! But it doesn't last... Got about 6 months out of it. Then the pain comes back but not as bad as right before getting it. Steriods are bad for you though but if you're in so much pain you can't move it's a Godsend.

a double edge sword it is...

Re: Anyone have epidural shots for herniated disc

I did 3 a few years ago and they helped me alot. I believe you can only get three a year.

For me, the procedure itself wasn't too bad... just rest the remainder of the day. Only once did I feel some residual pain the following day but all in all I would recommend them and go through it again if I have a flare-up.

FTR I have herniated discs upsetting a nerve and arthritic discs.