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  • dreamofpainfree
    Member
    Post count: 1

    I am a 27 year old female who, after 2 years of constant low back/right hip/right leg pain, was finally given an MRI almost a year ago. The results stated: degenerative disc disease, mild spinal canal stenosis, disc herniation at L4-5 with mass affect on transiting S1 nerve root, moderate facet joint arthritis. A separate MRI for higher pinpoint T-9 pain was given and results stated: hemangiomas located at T-5 and T-9, lesions not consistent with typical hemangiomas, likely atypical. I received a series of 5 epidural steroid injections and at my last visit was told that since the needle couldn’t be placed in the proper space, I am no longer eligible to receive injections. I was also told that my pain level should not be as high as I say it is and that there is nothing else I can do other than to take arthritis medication. My question is, does anyone with similar problems have any treatment suggestions?

    Donald Corenman, MD, DC
    Moderator
    Post count: 8656

    At the age of 27 with two years of back and leg symptoms having failed epidural injections and a documented herniated disc compressing the nerve, I can’t understand why you have not been referred to a spine surgeon.

    Personally, I think that patients that receive relief from epidural injections can continue to get them every four months. The fact that a needle could not be placed in the “proper place” is a reflection of the injectionist and not of the pathology.

    I however am not endorsing continuing injections. If a herniated disc continues to cause pain and the patient does not gain more permanent relief over a period of 3-4 months, they deserve a consult with a spine surgeon.

    Dr. Corenman

    PLEASE REMEMBER, THIS FORUM IS MEANT TO PROVIDE GENERAL INFORMATION ON SPINE ANATOMY, CONDITIONS AND TREATMENTS. TO GET AN ACCURATE DIAGNOSIS, YOU MUST VISIT A QUALIFIED PROFESSIONAL IN PERSON.
     
    Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.
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