spinal cysts

[Annie88697]

I have been receiving steroid spinal injections for lower back pain radiating down into my left upper leg.  Last one failed to give me any relief.  After having another MRI doctor said he has found a cyst that may be preventing the steroid injections from helping as well as causing more pain.  I have post polio disorder also......research I have done concerning using steriods after having polio are quite negative.  2 questions: 1)  could the previous steriod injection have caused the cyst; 2) do you have any knowledge/advice concerning post polio and steroid injections?  


This discussion is related to spinal cysts.

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hello.

Polio is not a contraindication for epidural steroid injection. Provided the spine is not in an extreme bad shape, steroid injections can be administered effectively.

There are no reports of cyst formation as a result of spinal steroid injection. There are reports which mention abscess formation, but it would have more symptoms than just pain. Anyways, it will be useful to rule out an abscess. Repeated needle injury and infection can lead to an abscess. An abscess is a localized collection of infected material, secretions and is usually enclosed in a closed "cyst-like" space.

There are chances that the cyst may be present earlier. Have you been informed about the type of the cyst?

Regards

[Annie88697]

The cyst was there before, showed up in an MRI a year ago, before I had any spinal injection. I am not sure what kind of cyst it is.  Saw the pain doctor yesterday. No sign of an abscess. He has decided not to try another injection since the last one did not alleviate the pain  and caused a month long spinal headache.  NSAIDS caused negative reactions.  He has decided to try a low dose of morphine, davron etc do not touch the pain. He, like many doctors, is not sure what role the post polio plays in all this, as well as fibromyalgia and osteoporosis.  Otherwise I am quite healthy!!  It is the unending pain, at times quite severe, that sent me finally seeking any relief.  Thanks for your answer