Have anyone back and neck pain improved with epidural injections?

[olivo]

I've being in pain since Feb 08, tried several muscle relaxers and they don't work on me. I usually have no major pain during the night mostly happens in the mid morning and afternoon. Specially on long working days.
This are my mri results:
Straightening is noted suggesting spasm. Correlate clinically. There is a small right posterolateral C5-6 herniated nucleus pulposus with evidence of severe right foramina stenosis at this level secondary to uncovertebral arthitis, Anterior spondylosis C5-6 C6-7, Bulging disc C6-7, Degenerative disc diseace C6-7.
I have all sort of symptoms. neck and lower back pain, pain in ankles, tights, numbness on right hand fingers, left foot toes, sciatica pain, and some others.
I went on a pain management clinic and I have some injectios (like local anesthesia and it worked fine for me but not lasted more than 10 days). I went on PT/PTT lab test in order to have my epidural injections. I wonder if anyone have trully feel better after having them.
All inputs will be appreciated. I have only heard bad stories about them.
Thank you guys.

[do_ray_me]

Please try the shots before thinking of surgery, there is not that much discomfort from the injection and they can last for up to a year or more. Well worth the try.

[karen717]

I have been having disc problems for about 17 yrs now. First, it was buldging discs for which rounds of steroids worked. Then, following an MRI, I had a lumbar epidural. The dr.  who did it said my muscles were so tied in knots he had to pull out and get a bigger needle. Thank goodness I was put to sleep. This epidural lasted for 3 years for me. I think I was blessed. I also believe that it depends on if the dr. hits the exactly right spot. I only had the one epidural. After this 3 yrs anti-inflammatory meds kept it somewhat under control. After another MRI last year, it was a different problem; ruptured discs w/bone fragments pressing on nerves which required surgery in May 2007. The epidural is worth a try. It helps some and some it doesn't. If you are in pain, almost anything is worth a try. Good luck.
Karen

[shandy10]

Hello, I have had numerous injections throughout the last few years due to a couple of car accidents. Before I was hit in Nov. they seemed to last for about 6 to 9 months.  I had an accident in November and completely ruptured my C5/6 and I had a Disc replacement. Still having a lot of problems with it. Had 3 sets of injections post surgery and none of them worked. I would at least try 1 set. You will know if your body responds to it or not. Good luck and God Bless.

[richmill1]

if they don't work have the surgery...acdf works...can't live your life governed by your fears..good luck

[jenntanis]

I had two nerve blocks (May and June), and one epidural (they were afraid to give me another nerve block because I bruised so bad after the second one).  My first nerve block worked for a weekend, and the second nerve block worked for about 2 weeks, and the epidural didn't do anything for me.  In fact, I felt worse after the epidural.  I ended up doing physical therapy from May 2007 to Jan 2008, when I found a surgeon who cared about me and performed a lumbar fusion L4-S1.  I feel great now, still have surgical pain every now and then, but my overall back pain is gone.

[terri1234]

I have an epidural injection about every 3 months and I like them. Some people don't for various reasons.  They don't help the underlying problem, but they do help.  also the lidocaine patches are good for a 24 hour period, you know if you need to be somewhere when its uncomfortable.  Good Luck!