Anyone have a cortisone injection in their back ? DDD

So I've been dealing with HORRID low back pain since January, a month out from surgery.  I'd been treated for my hip rotating, went to PT which didn't help.  Tried some pain medication, not much help. Went on Prednisone for a week, felt great, then the pain returned. 

My PCP sent me to a Rhumatologist thinking my RA was acting up. It wasn't, but he ordered an MRI, and it shows Degenerative Disc Disease L5-S1.  I saw a sports medicine Dr yesterday and he said I should do a cortisone injection which should really help.  So I'm going in next Tuesday for that, but I'm curious if anyone else has had one, what does it feel like? Did it help you, and for how long?

I've been feeling so great since surgery, except for this back pain which completely counteracts all the good I feel otherwise. It's very frustrating to be in so much pain, but wanting to be more active- I've got the energy for it, but not the freedom to do alot of things because of the pain.

Hi Kristy,

Well first off that sucks to be in such pain. 

I had cortisone injection in both feet for my plantar fascitis a few years back.  It stung a little and yes it helped me alot!!  It took away the sharp burning pain.   I hope you get some relief; DDD is not fun. (I am a physcial therapist assistant and have worked with people struggling with that diagnosis) 

Good luck and try and stay positive.  

Ranae

Hey Ranae,

Glad to hear the injections helped you out.   The doctor wants me to do 8-10 visits of PT and I really don't want to. I already did 12 sessions back in Feb/Mar for this same pain, although at the time they were not working with a DDD diagnosis, just that my left hip was rotating.  They did show me 2 exercises for TA which I do every morning, along with some leg exercises and stretches, but I wonder what else they're going to have me do now with knowing about the DDD.  I just don't want to take the time to go, plus I have to pay 20% out of pocket for it.  I just want to be fixed already.  Sorry- Whine OVER!

I have had 3 injections in my neck (C-5 - 6) for disc issues....the feeling is a hot rush when it's done (strange, but not painful).  The first two lasted only a month each. After the 3rd injection the pain came back a month later, but then a month or so after that......I was pain free! It must have been a delayed reaction or something....don't know - don't care....it worked and with my conscience effort to stretch, etc. I have been pain-free for 3 years now!

Good luck! I have heard that lumbar regions have better success with injections than cervical so you have an advantage there!
Sue

Hi Sue,

That's great that you've been painfree for 3 years now. That gives me hope. That, along with if the lumbar areas are typically more successful.  Did you feel better immediately when you got each injection ?

I'll be watching to see how this goes for you, Kristy - I've suffered chronic back pain for over 12 years now, the result of getting broad-sided on my way to work one morning.  The pain shoots down into my left leg, and has given me some serious issues with my left knee as well.  (That's why you'll never read anything from me about running 5K's or marathons or anything like that!)

I have been thinking about seeing the Doc at Tria who took care of my daughter's torn meniscus last fall.  He was a super nice man, and I HOPE he could help me resolve my pain issues without surgery... PT did very little to help me, although I do still practice several of the exercizes I was taught.  Who knows - maybe I'd be in much worse pain if I didn't? 

Back pain sucks, straight up.

wow sweets........ i think I should get my left side checked out.... My shoulder and arm are still giving me troubles.  I went to the chiro didn't help went to my family Dr. and he gave me pain meds and that helped for a week or so and it's back.  not as bad but it is back again.  I hope all goes well for you.....keep us posted!!!!!

Twin City Spine Center @ Abbott is a very reputable clinic if anyone is looking for an MD...

Kristy:

I have not had a shot in my back, but did have one in my backside!  Actually my ****yx area.  I have one about every 10 months or so.  My PCP sent me to Medical Advanced Pain Specialists (MAPS) in Edina a few years ago - he said that is the only pain clinic he will refer to.  They wanted me to have physical therapy, but I work with PTs and I knew it would not work, so I declined.  They did the cortisone shot and it took a few days to take effect, but I was pain free for several months.

Good luck - I know pain is hard to deal with.

Lisa

Funny you should ask that.  My BFF Ann had one one yesterday, and her husband has had several.
She was given drugs and was pretty loopy, so it didn't hurt.  The Dr. said it takes a few days to be effective.  Today was she was feeling okay, no trauma from the shot at all.

I'm sorry that you are feeling pain - get better soon!!

I have had many cortisone shots over the past year, mainly my knees and right shoulder.  I'm like a cortisone junkie :-D