injections for lumbar pain

[strongworx]

I have a herniated (L-5,s-1) disc.Ten yrs now and I am broke over it.No insurance.I am thinking about these injections and understand they will probably need a mri along with the fluoroscope and the cost of the injections themselves.I have not seen anything too promising yet as for their effectiveness and dont know that I should waste the money(maybe as much as 5 grand with the MRI) on these things.I dont want drugs and will surely have to have some surgery when I can find a way to cover the costs.Has anyone here had them?How lond did they last?What was the overall cost?I am 43 and at my wits end.Thanks. Mark Nacci

[Bonnie2]

I had the steroid shots. Fortunately I have insurance and I am grateful for that. I guess in situations like this the outcome is different for everyone. My immediate concern is having the surgery with the additional risk of being a diabetic. I know of several cases where the patient never recovered.

[strongworx]

Thanks Bonnie,what kind of shots were they?The radiofrequency ones that freeze or burn  the nerve? or something like corticosteroids where they relieve pain and inflamation?Id like to more about the different kinds available.Thanks

[Bonnie2]

I have been having lower back problems for 16 months. Had MRI results retrolisthesis @ L3 & L4, degenerative disease, bulging disk. I just completed my 2nd spinal injection. I have my first one in September 2006 2nd one December 2006. I only had relief from the first shot for about 4 weeks. The 2nd shot has not helped with the pain. I am considering back surgery. I am a diabetic and the neurosurgeon wanted me to try spinal injections due to the risks of surgery being a diabetic. I know I need to do something rather than continue with this pain. I am unable to do everyday things. I know there is no guarantee even with back surgery. Because of my immobility I continue to gain weight which causes problems with my diabetes and my back pain. I am 56 years old.

[strongworx]

Thanks.Sounds like a waste of money.I dont have coverage so I think   I will save towards surgery then.I am looking into going to India for fusion.Ill never afford it here.

[japdip]

If you have had an MRI or some other test that indicates exactly what is wrong I don't see why you would need any additional testing. As for the injections (transforaminal epidural steroid I assume your speaking of) it depends on your problem .... how much relief you obtain and how long it will last. My physician (Anesthesiologist) charged $660.00 for the injection itself. The consult before was around $200. The procedure was done in out patient surgery at a local hospital and that charge was about $2500. I had two injections (usual number) but you can have more than that but no more than 3 or so a year. I can't speak as to how long your relief might last ..... my problem was bilateral fractures of the pars and I got only a few days relief from each injection. I had to try all the conservative methods (including physical therapy) before I consulted the Neurosurgeon. It's a decision only you can make.  Good Luck .......