Candidate for epidural for sciatica?

Hello,
I have a herniated disc L5/S1diagnosed by MRI and am scheduled for a series of 3 epidurals. What is the purpose of these injections? My pain level has become minimal and I am very mobile, except for walking. My other symptoms have not resolved (over one month) and include numbness to the leg and foot and weakness so that I have a very bad limp. So if the epidural procedure is just to manage pain I don't see the point. If it might help to reduce the herniation permanently then I could be more enthusiastic. Is there a typical time frame over which these things resolve without treatment? The only thing I had was prednisone at the beginning.
Thanks for helping me understand epidural treatment a little better!
nan3

[MARGARETG]

the epidurals can help with the numbness and weakness dr describe pain a little different than us, they believe if your numb weak or a foot drop this also if not now than sooner or later will be pain,
the injections can take away some inflamation (inflammation) and help if the nerve is being pressed..
hope this helps

t

[giveitback]

Hi -

The idea behind the epidural is mainly to reduce swelling in the affected area. If the swelling is reduced, then too is the pain and your other symptoms (numbness and weakness).  The epidurals are designed to allow the area time to "heal"  They are not a cure by any means. However, some people need no further care because the epidurals helped so much.
How long have you been in pain? It can take a few weeks to several months for a nerve to heal on its own. It varies depending on how much it is being compressed. Word of advice: just be sure the epidural is placed in the proper suspected area or it will do you no good.
Good luck!

[shazgirl]

I had 2 epidurals in same location, L5S1.  They did not work for me but my MD was very clear in explaining that they may or may not resolve my very bulged disc.  On many people they work wonders.  He did not try the 3rd epidural when I wasn't seeing any result.   I ended up with surgery and am recuperating but the sciatic pain is gone!!  Good luck to you.

[Lubov]

Hi, I have a L4/5 degenerated disc, 2 wks ago i've undergone Epi. inj. for the 1st time then follow up check up yesterday he advised me to start PT and to take some pain killer.

Epidural helped numb and lessen the pressure to reduce the pain, in my case, the pain is less at my lower back but it spread to my right hip,  I told my doctor about it he just smiled and told me we're just starting and it a long way to go through....it's quiet a long road tho'.  :) I wish it will be healed without surgery...wish me luck!

Good luck to all of you who's facing the same problem as I do.

[MARGARETG]

what kind of surgery did you have and when? im looking at the same thing as injections a total of 8 never helped, so now its fusion L5 L4 S1 pretty scared, there going in through the front(belly) and then a small incision in the back to open the holes for the scatic nerve...
god bless and you will be in our prayer's and keep in touch...