ok guys I need info on epidural steroid injections,,,please hare your knowledge

OC_An Khe · Oct 5, 2003

Cervical epidural injections I have seen work for many patients. The procedure is typically done by an anethesiologist with the patient sitting. Most patients can't believe how simple the procedure is, once it is completed that is. For some patients who are really nervous we give PO Valium before.

If the injection works for you (success rate is very high) it is typically repeated to further shrink nerve inflammation and to shrink the protruding disc.

dspring, RN · Oct 7, 2003

One of our Rads. performs them in our special procedures lab, under Fluro. I have to give him credit, the patients have very little pain. I have seen several other Docs perform epidurals, but he has to be the best. There is something to say for fluro guidance.

Editorial Team / Admin · Oct 8, 2003

I'd just want an MD (whether anesthesiologist or radiologist) who performs A LOT of the procedures, AND is good at the procedure.

live4today, RN · Oct 8, 2003

ESI worked for my husband when he was having a lot of pain with his spine and a herniated disc, etc. It made life bearable at least until his back surgery was performed. Give it a try. Hope it works for you, too. :)

RNKPCE · Oct 8, 2003

I work at at surgery center where we do these. I have also had one my self in the lumbar area. At the surgery center the doctors do it in the OR under fluoro. We start a IV in the pre-op area. Pt are given Versed and Fentanyl. They return to recovery area and stay about 15min or 30 minutes from their sedation. People are pleasantly surprised at how little disomfort they feel after the injection. We recommend applying ice to the injection site off and on for the first 3 days. Most people get a series of 3 injections. They don't work for everyone though. I personally had one injection and it only helped a few days, then my same MD started accupuncture. After 8 treatments my sciatica went away.

The doctor I had said that epidural steroid injection is preferably over systemic prednisone, however most people take the oral prednisone first because it takes a while to get through the red tape to get to a specialist who does epidural injections. I would definetly think it is worth a try.

Keysnurse2008 · Oct 9, 2003

I worry though.....i know that po steroids can lead to avascular necrosis.....and I have GOT ENOUGH spine probs......i had the 1st one today and NO sedation.....but I am sooooo sore.......but ya know i was before.I see no effect yet..no help.

dspring, RN · Oct 9, 2003

The Dr. I work with doesn't even use any sedation. He goes in with a 22 ga 3 1/2 inch spinal needle, and the uses a little Sensorcaine, until he gets into the epidural space. Once there, he injects a little contrast, checks placement under fluro, then injects 80mg of Depo-Medrol, and 2-3 cc of Sensorcaine. Half the patients have relief with in a couple hours the others, it takes a day or two. He just told me today with all the people he does, he has 75% success.

Keysnurse2008 · Oct 18, 2003

I wasnt one of the success stories....I am having a spinal fusion and diskectomy asap per neurosurgeon.the ESI did NOT help.But thanks guys.I was willing to try anything.

PSA, RN · Oct 18, 2003

hope these help. these are some sites i found which give some information on it.

spine health

pain management

(sorry, i didn't notice your last reply when i posted this message.)

moonchild20002000 · Oct 18, 2003

Hope all goes well with your surgery and you get some relief.

Sending healing thoughts and a big HUG your way!!

PSA, RN · Oct 18, 2003

TNNURSE - I just noticed your follow-up response on the ESI. I am so sorry that did not work for your pain. I do hope that they will find some way to provide you with some relief. My prayers are with you.