Back Pain Support Group

i was just wondering if there are different kinds of injections and what they do? I have spinal and neck disc degeneration. I also have arthritis in the same places. its unbearable pain. will they give the shots to me?

Yes, there are many different types of shots and the type you get is based on the problem you have and the location its at. What the doctors say they should do is to reduce or eliminate pain. Some such as cortisone shots reduce the inflamation around the nerve, causing it to calm down. Others such as the epidurals, root blocks and nerve blocks, inject a pain reliever or numbing agent directly into the disc or nerves that are painful. In actuallity, myself and many others have come to conclude - all this is simply a way for pain management doctors to stay in business. Its simple - if your not in pain, they are out of work. Pain doctors NEED patients to be in pain so they have a job, just as doctors NEED patients to be sick so they have a job. The shots are not a solution, but a temporary fix - if they work at all. You have to keep going back every 2 or 3 weeks because none last longer than that. The doctors make good money off each shot and it keeps you coming back. Most patients do not benefit and some such as myself are worsened by them. They are in no way a solution.

""In actuality, myself and many others have come to conclude - all this is simply a way for pain management doctors to stay in business.""

Halleleujiah, someone who has done their homework.

We all differ in our knowledge of the back. Some have major spinal problems yet can't research a single article on the mechanics of the back. Some have minor back problems yet have learned all they can about their condition in effort to live a better life.

If you're someone (anyone) who is still paying for epidurals there are very good odds your allowing doctors to do the thinking for you as opposed to researching. Doctors can be life savers, but it's a wise patient who's able to differentiate between what is best for _YOU_ and what is best for a Doctor's (or PMC) annual earnings. This doesn't mean doctors and medical pros don't care but if you think your health is inherently a priority over their income it's just not a realist view. Finf the medical pros who care, who've been there, who you sense want the best for you.

the money alone that back patients could save each year if they knew how useless epidurals are would be a huge benefit to the chronic pain and spine community. But the irony of those there to help us, leaving us worse off (emotionally, financially and sometimes physically) remains.

I am thinking of having a shot also. I have had a back/sciatica problem for over 3 years and my MRIs show problems in the L3-S1. I have been on hydrocodone, diazepam and neurotin for the pain. All this has done is gotten me hooked on the pills and I feel like a junkie. I have been in physical therapy for a couple months, which consists of massage, infared heated ultrasound of the area and tens unit application 2x a week. The physical therapist suggested the shot, but did say that they don't work for everyone.

I have had 3 epidurals during labor with my kids. Are these steroid or cortisone shots basically the same thing? Also, can I put be put under conscious sedation while getting the shot? I have an appt next month with my doc and want to go in armed with some information because I think she is not going to give me any pills anymore, but I am in major pain. The yoga and stretching has helped, but I need pain relief from something.

No, the epidurals for back pain are nothing like the epidurals used for labor.

I have had eight of these injections. At first they worked pretty well but the last several have not worked. They are extremely painful. In my opinion they are worth trying because ANYTHING is better than surgery. I think people should exhaust all options before going in for surgery. I hope they work for you. Lora

I am going to have injections as soon as my wrist and hand heal. I boke the main done in right arm and crushed the wrist.. If your getting better, id still get the injection. They might be making you get better.

I had two shots and the last was more painful than the first, I felt that all down in my knees, NEVA again...After not having any insurance for a year, I can go to a new doctor now and hopefully they can do something I haven't tried yet...besides surgery...my last option!!

Doesn't the epidural injection just give relief but not cure what is causing the pain??

I'm scheduled for this also but am worried that this is being done beause they havent been able to find out why i'm in pain.