Posted by CCF Neuro MD on July 13, 1997 at 20:56:05:

In Reply to: Bulging L5 disc/Cortisone inj/leg pain posted by Sanders M. Troy on July 07, 1997 at 19:46:38:

: Hi: My car was struck from behind last 8/27/96. I have had an MRI which shows a bulging L5 which is causing me pain down my left leg and to a lesser extent my right leg. I have seen a neurosurgeon and an ortho surgeoun. Both seem to agree that the disc is bulging and my pain is the result of it hitting my nerves. I have been seeing Chiropractors/Physical Therapists/Massage Therapists/Rolfer's..seems like I've tried every quack there is and none of them have worked. I do trust my ortho, and last week he convinced me to have a Cortisone Injection. Its been 4 days and its done nothing except make my life especially miserable these past 4 days. I feel like an old man, and I am 31. I was in excellent health prior to the accident. Any suggestions? I know surgery is an option, but I know a few people who have had such surgery and they seem to all be the same or worse overall. Any help is appreciated!

Dear Sanders:

Your problem is a difficult one. I can imagine how agonizing it must be to live for nearly a year with severe back pain and radicular pain without any sign of relief. Epidural steroid injections are indeed a widely practised procedure for your kind of problem. The majority of experts do believe that the procedure is at least partially effective in relieving pain in carefully selected patients in the short term. It is unfortunate that you are not benefited from the procedure. Surgery might indeed be an option for you, although it, of course carries the risk of failure in a significant proportion of cases. I sympathise with your problem completely, and have little else to add.
In case you live in the Cleveland area, and are interested in a second opinion, you are welcome to consult with a neurosurgeon at the Cleveland Clinic. I recommend Drs. Kalfas and Bingaman, who specialize in spine surgery. The Cleveland Clinic also has an Spine Center dedicated to the non-surgical treatment of back problems, an active pain department, and of course a respected neurology department. The number to call for appointments is (216)444-2200, or (800)223-2273 (toll free).
I wish you the best of luck.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options of your specific medical condition.