[dreamofpainfree]

#5492

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]

#5493

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

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