I just grip the bed tightly and close my eyes!
Isn't it ironic that it is the anaesthetic that hurts?

Hmmmm yeah it is ironic.....figures huh?

ty for everyones help i tryed the shots first one was great then did aqua therapy tryed the second one didnt work they said no more therapy have to go to a orthapedic doc but not giving up hope said its the herniated disk will see trying to hang in there

Just had my 6th lot of cervical facet injections, and looking forward to a good sleep at last.
I took a Tramadol about 11/2 hours prior, and this dulled the anaesthetic needle pain so much that I hardly felt it, so must remember to do that each time.
I'm starting to realise just how much poor sleep contributes to the neck and shoulder pains. There is a lot of muscle tension caused by the arthritis, and this causes more pain and then sleep interruption. So I am going to increase my muscle relaxant meds at night.

A moment of sting is worth it to help resolve the misery, even for short term releif...... I think I'm due....3AM here, can't sleep, miserable.....hate what my back has done to me, taken from me.......will it ever end?

Hello I am a 43yr old female with right low back pain, I injured myself at work. I first had noticed my pain April 2007 and went to the doctor and told him I think it was work related lifting things. I didn't report it to my employer and tryed to take care of this on my own thinking my employer would not believe me. I got my first epidural Aug 2007 with no relief, then Sept 2007 I lifted a box that was to heavy for me told my employer who didn't care when I reported this. So I went to my doctor the next day he took me off work for a month. The following day was a saturday I went to work left my employer a work note . It took my employer 30days before he gave me workcomp info. So from sept 2007 till Jan 2008 all I had was a few visits with work comp doc's and physical therapy. Some how work comp sent me an RN who got things rolling for me and got me another epidural in Jan 2008 and another 2 epidurals in Feb 2008. All these injections have been no help and I am back to physical therapy which helps when I am there getting stretched out and then exercise in the pool then they place an ice pack with a tens unit. Once I'm home I'm back to that constant low back pain. It hurts to walk, stand, lie on my back, sit, and drive. My pain is constant it's in my right lower back, that goes into my right hip down my right leg below my calf muscle. I get spasms from time to time. Sure the medication helps some not to mention I finally got a MRI Feb 15,2008. The MRI showed 3mm right foraminal disc protrusion noted at the L2 - L3 level, which does not abut the thecal sac or the adjacent nerve roots. I don't know what this means no one will explain what this means and I am so confused. this has been such a nightmare. If anyone out there can explain my MRI I would greatly appreciate it I'm so depressed over this.
Thank You,
Arlene

It means that the spongy things between the spinal bones is sticking out and agravating the nerves.

one where the problem wasn't that didn't hurt much....

the next 2 or 3 weeks later where the problem was and it stung like
weakened bee venom when the steroid went in....in all the referred pain
areas affected by the nerve impingement....meaning in my front thigh groin and back of pelvis and L2....but it's over quick....
I would recommend taking some pain medication beforehand...

Now ..more than 36 hours after...well I did have some pain last night and some muscle spasms and soreness today.....we'll see.....
I worked out on the recumbent bike for an hour today...
possible mistake but I need to be active....
my PT doesn't like that I'm back in the gym
...she thinks I may have spinal compression elsewhere based on
my patellar hyper reactivity....but the new MRI's and spine
doc will have to be the judge of that

While I am quite new to this board, I was on Braintalk for years, it has slowed to a crawl and It seems I could not not seem to express an opinion, while I am delighted that those posting have gotten relief, My S/O, for who I am Health Surrogate and Power of Attorney, ( she has the same on me) and I would recommend this for everyone,wheather S/O or a VERY close friend, she had a number of ESI shots, that unfortunely did not last more then a few days. she is now on a regiman and is getting 60mg. total a day of Ms-Contin and is fairly free of pain. I am sure we are all aware that to wish to be pain free is a fantasy, the doc's do the best they can, I am a C/P patient myself. I would hope that ya,ll would ask your doc,s for relief. if it comes in a pill, well, so be it. All I ask is that everyone keep an open mind and keep all options open. About myself, I am an ordained Spiritual minister and wish to help all.
Much love and light
Alex44
P.S. I am not advocating for pills of any kind, all kinds of therapy can help, massage, acupucture, chiropractic, I just know what helps me and my S/O - this after trying a number of differant things.
Love and light
Alex

hi,I see you have many replies and hope you don't mind another. I received shots with steroids and freezing.You can feel the very first prick of the needle but after that you feel nothing.had one shot for my hip and shots over a period of six months in the lower dimple part in my back.the first treatment was great ,I could touch my toes again.that was over 15 years ago,my hip was fine from the get go but my back has become very painful again.I know there has been a lot of controversy about steroids but when your in pain all you listen to is the pain.And I would go through anything to remove the pain wish you a speedy recovery, and to be pain free.
soft hugs
slm