epidural

I have an elderly relative who is using numerous drugs to combat back and leg pain.  Many of us believe she is overusing and needs to end her drug dependencies, but she is very weak from enduring many years of this problem.

Could an epidural be applied, theoretically, to relieve physical pain symptoms over the course of a few weeks while weaning her off her medications?  

I want to know if this practice has ever been applied before I go suggesting it to a doctor.

[Kwan Yin Chong, MD]

one has to identify the cause of the back and leg pain. Certainly epidural or other nerve block / facet joint block can be used with varying success.

[jlh77]

Probably suffering form central canal stenosis.  Can be difficult to treat, look for some alternatives first.  Stretching and strengthening can be very helpful.

[becksturbo]

How long are the effects of an epidural and if rest and massage is used, could the effects be permanent after a dernervation and disectomy with fusion I feel if i rest with mild stretching I don't feel the horrible pain It seems the more i use the shoulder and arm the more pain i feel .  Does the epidural alow the myofacial muscles to heal?

[ambrannigan]

A related discussion, Chronic Pain Management was started.