I have a large prolapsed disc in L5/S1 and suffered for about 6 months before having my first epidural. It hurt whilst the doctor did it and I felt awful for a few days after. I just had another (6 months after the first) and this one went MUCH better! Although I did feel awful after - similar to the after effects of flu. It's now 3 weeks later and I am off work again, still in pain. These injections CAN help people but they didn't help me. But, for a few minutes of feeling uncomfortable and a couple of days after effects, it's definately worth the try. Good luck with whatever you choose!