Epidural steroids for herniated lumbar disc + sciatica?

Falldownpaul, next step if ESIs fail is usually surgery. Not fun but not hopeless.

In your situation I got the shot, and it was life changing. Sadly, for me, the effects only lasted about two weeks. You can get up to three, I think, and I may get the other two soon. But at the same time, I got a new job in a new state, my commute changed radically, and I need to switch doctors as a result - it's a lot of work I haven't done yet. The shot wasn't particularly painful except for one tiny moment, and the effects were immediate.

Another anecdote from a similar situation. About 7 years ago I had a sudden back pain while working in the yard, and it was unbearable. First thing (which I will never do again) was the chiropractor. This is dramatically different than PT, certainly. Then into the regular physician, onto a specialist who viewed invasive procedures as a last resort. Herniated disc was causing constant pain, foot drop on one side, and sciatica. It was bulging to an extent that the doctor told me flat out that the steroid injection would be her next step, but might very well require surgery down the road if there was no improvement. And that she wanted to avoid that if at all possible. The procedure was painless. A pinch to numb the area, laying on the x-ray table while the did the shot into my lower spine. Completely awake, done and over in less than ten minutes on the table. There was noticeable relief over the next few days, but it wasn't complete and immediate like some have stated in their cases. For me it was more of a kick start that seemed to initiate improvement over the next three months, including PT exercises. Recently, I had another bout of back issues. The symptoms came back after straining my back physically (that's right, stereotypical moving a heavy washing machine). I was facing the same issues, had the same sensations (though not the longer-term effects like foot drop this time around). Since it had been so long, my specialist had to admit me as a "new patient" and I was on a two plus month waiting list for an appointment. During that time, I tried all the intermediate steps - constant ibuprofen, and the old back exercises. Somehow I stumbled across a recommendation for the McKenzie Method of back treatment. In a book I purchased on Amazon, it went through very simple and straightforward physical therapy methods to help with back pain. And dammit, it really worked for me. I went from barely able to do the first step in severe pain to essentially back to normal over the next month or two. I was completely expecting to need another steroid shot, if not more invasive treatment. But by the time the doctors office called to confirm my appointment I was able to cancel without hesitation (and without pain). I know my back will always be susceptible to injury, and I have to be careful about that. I do know that the steroid shot helped me on the road to recovery. I know that the specific exercises I did recently helped as well. I can't say just the PT would do it alone, nor do I think the steroid would alone either. From my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to get the shot, and continue on your current PT afterward (or find another type of PT treatment).

This happened to me, only my disks ruptured. I dicked around with PT and a Chiropractor for WAY too long. I had to have two injections of cortisone, three weeks apart. That was 18 years ago. I've never had another issue since. (Except that I can now predict rain.) It doesn't hurt. I will say, cortisone makes you crave sugar like a fiend, so don't do it on Halloween and then eat a whole bowl of Snickers. Ask me how I know. Good luck to you. It feels SO GOOD when the pain stops.

I had several herniated and ruptured discs in my low back (car accident), with severe sciatica. After 2+ years of PT, painkillers, chiro, etc, I was finally sent for an epidural. The first one helped for a couple of weeks, but when the pain returned, it seemed worse than before. The second epidural didn't help me at all. I was considering a third, but the anaesthesiologist felt that if I had already done 2 injections in 4 months without significant relief, then it was unlikely that a 3rd injection would help much. I was advised to have surgery. I decided to try acupuncture instead, and that worked miracles for me. In researching my options (this was many years ago), it seemed like the chance of a complication from the epidurals was fairly low; the most likely risk seemed to be that it simply might not work. My understanding is that when it works, it is AWESOME... But it just doesn't stop the pain for a good chunk of the population. I found the epidurals to be quite painful, but did not have any complications following the injections. Good luck to you - I have been in your shoes, and they are very uncomfortable shoes indeed.

I have had the spinal injections both in my neck and my lower spine. They worked to temporarily relieve the pain although it took until the second one for the neck. I did loads of pt. I am not a go to a chiropractor person but for those who appreciate them, that is good. I ended up after a while getting a fusion in my neck and I had 3 operations that culminated in the third being a fusion of L4-L5. I have been pain free ever since. I am playing ice hockey, basketball and golf. I am in my younger 50s. If it were me, I would get the injections, continue with PT/yoga and strengthen my core. I would try this for several cycles or until the pain is unbearable. Then, I would heal with steel and get operated on.

(To clarify, I also had a severely herniated lumbar disc that caused major sciatica.)

I got the shot, and it made my pain worse. I don't know how, but I remember feeling a zing during the procedure that didn't feel quite right. My theory is that the herniation just got nudged or something during the procedure. I don't know. Ultimately, I ended up with surgery that did help, immediately.

I had an epidural steroid injection about 13 years ago, in my thirties, for herniated discs in my cervical spine. Before it I had pain, tingling, and weakness in my arm that was worse when I laid down; I'd had to sleep sitting up for a few months. OTC drugs, physical therapy, and acupuncture hadn't resolved it. The injection was a last try before resorting to surgery. For me, the most painful part of the surgery was having to lie flat on the table -- that was the worst position for my nerve pain. I did feel the injection "light up" the same nerve for a moment, but it wasn't any more painful. Afterwards, the symptoms were gone. I think I remember it took two or three days? The symptoms have never returned. I always had the impression that that surprised my doctor. Good luck with whatever you decide; I hope you get relief.