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Is It Safe To Take Epidural Shots For Sciatica And Degenerative Disc?
hello, i have a back issue since 2011.. degenerative disk and siactia L4 ad L5..how safe is getting ipideral shots being diabetic.. i have had these shots twice year. and the last one 1 1/2yrs ago but it was actually done in the spine.. which really hurt at the time they did the procedure but did work longer however, i am scared to do it again (and i need one) why does it hurt so much compared to the other shots done in my back and not in my spine..? thank you
Wed, 18 Nov 2020
Hi,
Lumbar epidural shots are usually administered in the treatment of conditions that cause irritation and inflammation in the spinal nerve roots and are associated with lower back and leg pain. Most common lower back conditions treated include - lumbar herniated disc, lumbar degenerative disc disease with or without sciatica. Steroids reduce inflammation and may help ease sciatic pain. During an epidural steroid shot, the medicine is injected near spinal nerve roots that are compressed. Some experts recommend no more than 3 shots in a year due to the adverse effects of chronic steroid administration.
The procedure is quite safe and successful for those with sciatica due to degenerative disc and with patients experiencing 50% less pain a year after the injection. Your back may initially feel worse for 2-3 days following the shot due to irritation of the medication near the nerve or from steroid itself. You should start feeling pain relief within a few days. Generally, epidural shots are very safe for the vast majority of patients.
Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
Lumbar epidural shots are usually administered in the treatment of conditions that cause irritation and inflammation in the spinal nerve roots and are associated with lower back and leg pain. Most common lower back conditions treated include - lumbar herniated disc, lumbar degenerative disc disease with or without sciatica. Steroids reduce inflammation and may help ease sciatic pain. During an epidural steroid shot, the medicine is injected near spinal nerve roots that are compressed. Some experts recommend no more than 3 shots in a year due to the adverse effects of chronic steroid administration.
The procedure is quite safe and successful for those with sciatica due to degenerative disc and with patients experiencing 50% less pain a year after the injection. Your back may initially feel worse for 2-3 days following the shot due to irritation of the medication near the nerve or from steroid itself. You should start feeling pain relief within a few days. Generally, epidural shots are very safe for the vast majority of patients.
Take care. Hope I have answered your questions. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Zubayer Alam, General And Family Physician
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