spinal injections for pain anyone

Hi

I went to my neuro on thursday for results of all my tests,brain/spine/lumber MRI LP all come back clear so no MS or neuro based disorder wehich i was pleased about but he did say i have bulging disks at L4, L5 narrowing my spinal colum but thinks its not enough for surgery but is leaving that up to the rheumatolgist which he is also refering me too as he thinks i have fibromyalgia.

I have been in alot of pain with my hips,shoulder and lower back he talked about spinal injections which i did not like the sound of has anybody had them?   and what is involved?   and do they work?

Is there something other then tablets and chriopractor treatment ( which is expensive ) i can use to help my shoulder spasms as it is unbearable at times and goes right across my neck and face and down my arm.

Thanks

[Abhijeet Deshmukh, MD]

Hi.

"Spinal injections" is a general term. The Injection in question is most likely to be a steroid injection. It works in some cases, but not so well in others. Studies show that it works best for pain related to lumber disc herniation.

The routine procedure involves a local numbing injection in the skin, followed by a needle injection in the spine. These days, the procedure can be done under X-ray guidance.

All the aspects of the pain (cause, severity, site) have to be considered before deciding for   it.

Regards