Hi Chemar,

I just saw your post and sorry for the delay as well.

Yes, ESI = Epidural Steroid Injection. I have to say I have had only one in the lumbar area and it gave me relief for about a week or so. BUT...again, even with some bulging discs, it was the facets that were the worst. So, the facet injections with a subsequent RF helped a great deal. My husband, on the other hand, has a pretty large herniation at L4/L5. He goes for an ESI about twice a year. It is unbelievable to me that it lasts so long for him. That's not to say he is totally painfree...he still has aches and pain...but nothing that keeps him down.

And I apologize if I was too harsh about Chiropractic care. They probably do have their applications. What I am really trying to say is that if, as you say, your husband has a herniation, compression or any form of nerve root irritation, PLEASE be careful!

thanks Kathi

yes, it seems he will likely need to have some form of injections as part of a co-operative treatment plan.

I didnt find your chiro comments harsh at all...I value all input as this is an area that is totally new territory to us and so I am eager to be as fully informed as possible by others' experiences, both pro and con, on all available treatments. That, coupled with being able to then ask these questions of the doctors, is helping my hubby understand more as well. (he is reading the updates here too, so thanks from him too)

Chemar,

I hope the injections work for your husband. When they work (and sometimes they haven't...I have had various types), it does relieve the inflammation long enough to try other conservative measures. And I don't blame you at all for wanting to try other things. But I would let the doc guide you as to what he thinks is best. I have been down this road for 7 years now and what I have found above all else is that my spinal PM is the one I can really trust as well as my NS. Let us know how it all turns out for your husband.