Steroid shots in the lower back, anyone..........

else every had these?

I have to go next week and was told would need a driver cause I can't drive afterwards. Will I be able to work afterwards, or should I take the day off?

Do they numb the area before the shot? I hate needles and I am being a baby I know. I am almost thinking of saying my back don't hurt no more (which is a lie)!

Any words of comfort out there?

It has been several years since I had a cortisone shot in my lower back.  I had radiation damage pain in my lower region and they thought I had a bulging disk and they did the shot and I do remember that it was not a lot of fun.  It did hurt quite a bit (sorry) but I think they do numb it first with Lydocaine (sp?) although personally I think the unbuffered Lydocaine hurts a bit too.  

If I were you, I would not go back to work, but that will be totally up to how you're feeling afterwards.

Good luck.

I use to get shots every week..for me they did not numb the area.  And the worse part I would get 10 shots every time. Some Docs will numb the area.  For me I just didnt want another needle being stuck into me. If they do numb the area, I strongly advise you not to go to work. I had to wait an hour after injections and do a balance test before I was allowed to leave..its normal to be some what wobbly...
Believe me the needle is worth it when you dont have any pain.
I will be thinking of ya

I did the steriod shots in both my neck and lower back.  The neck was not comfortable.  The lower back was no big deal.  If fact I refused the IV that they use to administer a low dose of versed to relax you.  I just did the shots alone.  For me the main sensation was pressure.  Yes, they numb the area first.  And, most docs go in guided by fluroscope so they know they are where they want to be.  For me, the main benefit of the shots was a big reduction in the lower back spasms I got so often.  I also got some pain relief- but losing the muscle spasms was a God send.

Hang in there.  it is not a big deal in the over all scheme of things.

I used to do the steroid shots in my back. I have always been told that they hurt but i was in so much pain that it actually felt good to me. I know i must be strange! The shots didnt work for me and I still ended up with the surgery.

Good luck to you and keep us posted. I dont have your phone number, will ya send me a message with it! I am in the tulsa area much more now since we got gramma moved to BA last weekend and we will be moved there by March 1st. Looking forward to lunch dates with friends off here and just being closer to all of you. I think you are the only tulsa one left I dont have a number for.

Sherrie T if you read this i need your new number too.

Is your doctor doing it in his office or having you go to the hospital? My doctor required it done in teh hospital where he had access to the machine so he could see exactly where the needle was going. I was given a happy shot before hand and they numbed the area as well so I never felt anything. Occasionally a muschle ache there afterwards but was better than my back pain so I didnt mind too much. I always had the ride but as soon as we got home I went back to my driving and normal routine. I just did it to satisfy the hospitals rules.