How painful are lower back injections?

[disneysnowflake]

I have 3 herniated discs in my very lower back.
My primary care doctor referred me to a orthopedic place. I was given steroids, which didn't work. I was given a Tens unit, which helps somewhat. I take only ibuprofen. It hurts so bad, especially at night.

So, on Wed. I'm supposed to have this injection done. I was told it would last only 15 minutes. I'd feel a little pinch and then some pressure.

2 other people I've spoken to told me it's the most painful thing they've ever been through, and there isn't even a guarantee it will work. The doctor even told me today that it's a gamble that it will work.

So, I'm thinking it's like the obstetrician telling me that labor was only some discomfort.

Now I'm scared. I'm having a lot of pain, but now I might shell out $800 to have a horribly painful shot that might not even work?

Has anyone had this done? Truthfully, how much does it hurt. There is nothing he uses like twilight sleep or anything.

I guess I'm worried I'll go in and pay $800 to have some horribly painful injection done that may leave me in even more pain. I know life has no guarantees, but this seems weird.

Is it true it's "some pressure" or is all out painful.

 

[JessicaR]

I had a series of lumbar ESI's. They were fluoroscopically guided and I was asleep. I would look into it. I wouldn't do it any other way. With use of the fluoscope the shot is much more effective.

http://www.spineuniversity.com/using_fluoroscopy_to_guide_epidural_steroid_injections

 

[disneysnowflake]

He's using the guided procedure with xray and die, but he does not offer anything in the way of being put to sleep.

I guess I'll have to call them tomorrow and look into other doctors who may offer the same treatment, but one that makes the patient more comfortable.

He said it only takes about 15 minutes, but I'm not so sure about having 15 minutes of agony.

 

[goofy67]

I have had the whole series of three injections. My doctor was wonderful and puts you to sleep for those 15 minutes. From what others have told me I would not have it any other way. I did take the next day off from work because my injections were late in the day and you are suppose to take it easy for 24 hours.

 

[disneysnowflake]

I'm definitely going to start looking around.

I was told I didn't need anyone with me to drive me home, and I'd be perfectly normal after having it done.

I guess I should have googled this first, but after reading some of the stories from other non-sedated patients, I'm not so sure.

I am so scared to have this done without any type of sedation. That's coming from a gal who had a hysterectomy, went home 5 hours afterward and never had to take even ibuprofen.

 

[JessicaR]

Do you have any spine centers nearby?

I had soreness after for about a day and the procedure itself was very quick but I have to say I have no memory of it. I know if people told me it hurt that bad I wouldn't want to do it that way either.

Hope you get some great relief from your back pain and good luck.

 

[disneysnowflake]

This is a spine/orthopedic place. This doctor deals with pain management for spinal issues. I wonder if this doctor ever had this procedure done.

I had another MRI done in August that showed the herniated discs.

I looked at another place nearby, and they state on their website that they offer light sedation for patients as needed. I'm in the as needed group.

 

[Mama-san]

I have had two epidural steroid injections. I was not put under for either. The doctor gave me a shot of local anesthesia at both of the injection sites, which that was the worst part of the whole experience. I was initially very anxious about the procedure, but everything went smoothly and practically pain free. Good luck!

Also, I was required to have someone to drive me home afterwards.

 

[modisneychick]

I have had several with guided flouro and no sedation. Most of the time, there was very little pain. Occasionally, if he got near an irritated nerve when injecting the steroid, it would be very painful until the injection was finished (seconds). I had a little soreness the next day or two, and then was all good. If you have a lot of back pain, these will not be that painful. I found that I had minor relief for about 3-4 weeks with each injection.

I put off back surgery for 5 years, but finally gave in. I recently had an injection in my neck (two herniated discs there), and I had no pain at all with the injection, but was much more sore than with my lower back.

Good luck!

 

[disneymarie]

I have never been sedated used the fluoroscope, no more then a deep pinch for he lumbar. Now the cervical spine was not a pleasure. It did not hurt, felt like tremendous pressure as if a ballooning affect in my shoulders down the arms.
I have had great relief when the dr. Listened to me and understood my pain and paths.
I did sedation 2 x's with lumbar at least 6 x's without. The copaycertainly not worth it. I have Valium for spasms but don't even take that. The worse thing to. Do is be worked up about it and tense. The dr. Will tell you everything as it is going to happen, they watch you bout half hr or so, something to drink any have a driver.

I am due for a tune up and look forward to the relief I have from the ESI.
The other thing that helps in flares is a shot of Toradol. It is a kick butte anti-inflammatory. Fantastic relief for at times an inability to stand upright.

Good luck, and relax.

 

[disneysnowflake]

Thanks.

Well, I thought and thought about it, and I guess I'll just suck it up and go. If it hurts really bad, I'll cry and won't have it done again.

DH reminded me of the rod put in my jaw that never hurt me, so maybe I'm just being a big baby.

Wish me luck. This time tomorrow I'll be in their office getting ready to have it done.

 

[The Princess]

I have gotten so many different shots in my back...right now I get trigger point injections....I think the anxiety beforehand is worse than the actual shot....If you get relief from the back pain you are experiencing it will be so worth it!! Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Kellydelly]

You will be fine .

 

[Pixie Dust for Me!]

DH had several done before his back surgery. He drove himself, both ways, and said other than pressure, they were fine. In the end, he had a laminectomy done because the shots don't "fix" the problem....they just numb the nerve so he wouldn't feel pain. He has herniations up and down his spine...but only had to have L4/L5 and L5/S1 treated surgically. Now he has to walk 30 minutes (minimum) every day and does back exercises that help quite a bit. He's hoping to avoid the knife again until he's 60!

Karen

 

[goofy4tink]

I have had two epidural steroid injections. I was not put under for either. The doctor gave me a shot of local anesthesia at both of the injection sites, which that was the worst part of the whole experience. I was initially very anxious about the procedure, but everything went smoothly and practically pain free. Good luck!

Also, I was required to have someone to drive me home afterwards.

This has been dh's experience. He has had several series of the injections. And for the most part, they really helped him. He had the local injected at the site, and then the big injection. I had to be there to drive him home...just in case there were to be an issue. There never was.
He went to a wonderful back/spine center, satellite of MGH, at Gillette Stadium. Had great experiences.

 

[kim929]

I had it done a few years ago. I was awake and watched the whole procedure on the screen. they numbed the area the only thing I felt was pressure.
I needed to bring someone with me so they could drive me home.
I didn't get any relief from the injections.
My dbil has had it and benefited from the shots.

Good luck, back problems really stink

 

[Micca]

Good luck & please let us know how you come out. I'm a big wimp about this stuff, but have found that it's generally not nearly as bad as it sounds.

I had my first colonoscopy a year ago and would prefer another one of those over some of the movies I've sat through.

 

[AndreaDM]

I'm scheduled for my first cervical spine injection on Friday, and I can't wait! The pain has been so bad so even if I get even a littl relief it will be worth it. I was told I needed a driver as well. Good luck tomorrow, let us know how it goes.

 

[Pooh2]

I was told to have someone drive me. Good thing my hubby came along, I got lightheaded.
I found it to be very painful with a very short term relief and did not repeat as the shot cost me $1400.
I have also has cortisone in my knee and shoulder without much relief. I have a friend who had complete relief after one injection and cancelled her surgery.
Good luck to you! Hope you feel better!

 

[Anne MN]

Have had epidural, SI injections, and a few others. the worst part at least for me is the pressure with the SI injections. the very first set I had was really wierd- the Dr was explaining as he was going, and said it may shoot down to your big toe- yup it did- very strange. I am scheduled for injections next month again. I get epidural and then 2 weeks later get the SI injections. they last me a good 3-4 months when they are done this way. I haven't had to move up to a medial or facet block- don't want to until I have to

good luck- I found that if I tensed up, it hurt more and Dr had a harder time finding the right spot