Prior US Marine, 25 year police officer retired, 52 years old. Been in pain for many years of my career. Had a bi lateral nerve root injection by my bulging disc. I feel like in 25 again. So far it’s been 3 months and feeling great.

I’m sitting here in recovery from an injection and I can honestly say it’s the first time in twenty years that I haven’t felt pain in my back , I just hope it lasts

I just did a double TFSI injection on my L4-L5/ L5-S1 today. My question was exactly the same as you have answered in your video, I can't thank you enough for being so concise yet informative on your explanation to the procedure. You have explained in 10 minutes more than my doctor did in 2 visits. Thinking of epidural as a window to work on mechanics was a great advice, for patients suffering like myself, to really focus on physical therapy and exercise to achieve a longer "pain free" period. I am hoping that my journey to " pain less" and " pain free" start as of today so I can resume my daily activities and be active around my kids. This kind of pain can be debilitating !

It worked for me and got about two years of mostly pain free living

This video was so informative, can’t thank you enough for your information. I have had sciatica off and on for the last 15 years. For the last two years I’m in an acute phase and can’t be rid of the 10+ pain in my butt. I finally have been scheduled for an epidural steroid injection, but my doctor was no way near as informative in the why and how it should be done. I wish I was closer to your clinic, as I would be switching doctors in a nano second. Thank you again for this video!

I am a 66 year old woman with stenosis, spondylitis, and scoliosis. I have had about 9 Radiofrequency ablations but the relief from them is short. My pain doctor brought up an epidural. Ill pretty much do whatever to get some relief. Thank you so much for your informative videos.

Just great incite into showing more of the truth. That truth is, those that change to better biomechanics and exercises to strengthen areas or stretch muscles better, are simply going to be better off than those that don't. Makes sense to me.

I have lumbar stenosis and I get epidurals every 4 months and they are amazing at helping the pain.

I wish to share my views on Epidural Steroid Injection. I am a 74 year old man who was suffering from Sciatica Pain due to a large disc prolapse in L5 - S1 . Conservative treatment with Pain Killers and physiotherapy was tried for more than 3 to 4 months. It didn’t help me much. I was then advised by a Spine Surgeon to undergo Epidural Steroid Injection. I got immediate relief from the horrible pain . The pain relief is about 90 percent. It’s about 25 days since I received the injection. My doctor tellls me that the pain relief may last a few months to an year or for ever.

Great explanation of a pretty complex topic. I like that you emphasized 'the window of opportunity' that the epidural provides to work on the mechanics of what caused the pain in the first place. Thanks again for another helpful video.

This is the best explanation I’ve seen and it answers my questions perfectly. Thank you!

Yes they did, for me - for six months and counting! ( for nerve impingement at L4-L5)

Have a cyst and loose L4/L5 joint have had 17 months of terrible pain couldn’t even sleep on my bed with my wife of 45 years got my injections 3 weeks ago and I’m almost normal get the procedure you’ll never regrets it

I just had the procedure done 5 days ago. Just now getting some signs of relief. I have a 8mm bulging disc L5 S1. Physical therapy is now less painful. All of my pain was in the back side of my right leg. I still feel it but not as bad. Still some numbing and tingling. I hope is it all gone next week. Fingers crossed.

Very clear and educational! I appreciate how you also breakdown the terms used. Your presentation style and information is on point! Thank you Dr.

Thanks for the video Dr Cooper. Very informative. I have a disc herniation at the S1/L5 on the right side, shown in the MRI with clear indication for a potential compression of the L5 nerve root. I had very severe pain for about 3 weeks and then pain subsidized however I had mild weakness in the right leg, some can be associated with L5 radiculopathy (big toe weakness, very mild foot drop), others are not (deficit in strength in the calf, hamstrings, and tingling in the outer side of the foot) suggesting more of an S1 (and/or L4) issue. While I don't have pain anymore, I still have some weakness in the leg (slowly improving). The surgeon I have seen suggested I do an Epidural injection to reduce inflammation and potentially shrink the herniation which may deliver some form of pressure relief. I have done two injections since (one transforaminal and one caudal). My question is, Is there potential for the injections to decrease pressure on the nerve and therefore might help speed up the recovery of the various muscles strength, or the only option I have to increase my chances of recovery is surgery? Thank you

I just took my epidural injection. It hurt! I felt all the fluids going down my legs. Thank for everything went well. I do have leg pain just like when my flare up happened, god willing it will go away. Just day 1

I’ve had several spinal epidurals for Degenerative disc disease at my S1. They don’t do anything. I get a week of relief at best. Hopefully others get more relief from this procedure.

Gracias Dr. Cooper, esa es una excelente idea de explicarnos que es la inyección epidural y como funciona, asi podemos compartir esta informacion a nuestros amigos. Felicidades.

Brilliant just had 4 injections hoping for low back pain relief moving forward

My friend who had it said it wasn't good, so I'm grateful for this video and these comments. I'm unable to move and feel desperate, so I need all the help I can get

I've been doing them for a while and they help alot. No more pain meds for me.

Great explanation I have had 2 epidural steroid injections unfortunately they didnt work for me im on my 5th month now unbearable pain I followed the exercises but no let up, i have numb toes and nerve pain across the top of my foot struggling to walk with it I see a neurosurgeon soon 🙏 for a good out come L4 L5 disc bulg

Going in today for first shot. Severe degeneration of 6 cervical and some lumbar joints with major problems. Didnt know about arthritis until mri at age 57 when i dropped to the ground at work. Yikes im worried this morning. Thanks for the pep talk coach

I've had at least a dozen of these Injections. Maybe they weren't done correctly but only a few work. The ones that worked, just a few were great. It is hit or miss. I want a doctor that has a good aim, and explains why an injection is successful.

Every 4 months I get injections and they are great. Its not so pleasant during the procedure but its great for months after

Thank you so much for this video and explanation. I am debating on this injection and all the videos on this topic are years old...again, thank you!

Thankyou very well explained it has helped me

Thank you, Dr Cooper so much! I so appreciate your help and your discussion about this. My husband just had an epidural and he has a spinal bifida, arthritis, sciatica pain and recently had a washing machine fall on him full of clothes. So he had absolutely no pain for the first couple of days after the epidural, he felt like a 30 year old( he's 60) But he felt so good that I think he overdid it. He is very active and came home and moved a 250 lb bed frame upstairs, worked on a car, etc. So he had the epidural on the 1st of May and today he is in excruciating pain. He has 2 puncture marks straight on his spine so he had that type of epidural. So we now know he overdid it but really hope he can get another soon for relief and not overdue the physical stuff but as you said, work on the biomechanics with the right exercises. So will his doctor be able to give him another epidural soon? What do you think is going on? Any help and advice would be wonderful and greatly appreciated. Thanks so much Tracy

Epidurals, most definitely worked for me!

Nice and clear. I’m wondering how likely to do harm ? Thanks

I really appreciate this video and all the great info you shared.

I have had an L5/S1 disc herniation for 6 months and yesterday had the epidural. Sat recovering today still feeling the sciatica in my left leg but just at a reduced rate. The 6 weeks prior to the injection I have had constant sciatic pain 24/7 down my left leg and no exercises relieved it at all. So I'm hoping the injection after a few days will start to work

My back pain gets so severe that if I don't have a epidural it's too painful to exercise. But there is no better feeling than forgetting I have a bad back!

Thanks Doc! Great primer on the topic.

I’ve had three in 10 years (performed by the same Anesthesiologist). One worked great for 5 months, one didn’t work at all, and one was “meh” for a few weeks. I’ve recently had facet nerve injections and then facet nerve ablation x2. Still waiting for relief if it’s coming.

I’m 51 yrs old, I have scoliosis, suffering from lower lumbar stenosis. I’ve had horrible pain for almost 3 yrs now. It has turned my life upside down. Took away the job I Love, cannot walk far or sleep much & the list goes on & on. I’m getting the injection in April/24 I am hoping & praying I get relief. I am in so much pain. This is my last chance or procedure before they do spina surgery on me. How long can you do these injections ? 😂How many can I have before doing spinal surgery ?

I get my injection in 3 days. Awesome video. L5-S1 for me. Hopefully I get the first injection, straight to the pain.

I’ve gotten two sets epidural injections and both times they lasted for a year but now I have been without them for two years and the pain is unmanageable! I am not able to stand longer than 10 minutes without leaning!

A physical therapist's view: - the site to be injected is typically chosen based on MRI findings, such as where a disc or facet jt might be touching a nerve root. This however is often not the segment where pain originates. A thorough physical exam should also be considered, though typically isn't. - most people with chronic back pain have multiple lifestyle factors that contribute to the behavior of their symptoms. Hydration, diet, bodyweight, sleep pattern, psych stress, activity levels and type are all inputs to back pain. Patients who don't optimize all of these have less hope of sustained pain relief. Unfortunately, the majority of Americans are physically lazy and ignorant about diet. THis is why people develop back pain in the first instance. Conventional back exercises 2-3x a week for 45-60 minutes is rarely adequate to ease the cause of back pain. What are the causes? Over the age of 60, pain is more associated with facet joint arthritis including joint lipping and capsule inflammation. These can also irritate nerve roots or thecal sac in the central canal or foramen, Under 60, disc bulges or herniations irritating nerve roots or the thecal sac are more common. I find in the majority of cases 2 years post injection, pain has returned and worsened. Why? because people just are not prepared to adopt healthier lifestyle choices. The majority of Americans do not eat healthily, which is why 75% are overweight or obese. A poor diet is a primary driver of inflammatory mediated pain anywhere in the body. But doctors on the whole do not know this, nor advise patients to adopt a healthy diet.

Thanks for bringing this very informative video to us.

Your information on this study is so correct!Awesome!

Just had my injection yesterday for sciatica and can feel the positive effects already. I am already very active with cardio/weightlifting but am very interested in what specific back exercises to incorporate into my routine. Would love to maximize the benefits to its fullest potential.

Thank you. You did answer a lot of,y questions.

This is the most honest and accurate insite to the pain management and pharmaceutical approach flogged to patients about the results and cure anticipated by pain management and insurance companies that an epidural injection will resolve in truth all that’s happening is you are just putting a band aid on a gaping wound and as he said the basic mechanics of the problem simply does require surgical Intervention, I speak from 8 years of Epi Dural injections and surgical interventions and Epi Dural simply pre long the inevitable surgical necessity if a good radiography and surgeon takes time to really integrate??

I’m 36, I’ve had a microdisctomy on my L4/5 due to a really bad herniation stenosis/sciatica/disc degeneration eta. 12 months later I’m back at the same spot and having the same surgery. I’ve had several of these injections, well into the double digits, sometimes they work and kill the pain for a time other they will not, they do take some time to kick in so given them a week or two. I highly recommend giving them a shot cause the pain relief is worth it, CT guided 👏 They don’t fix it but they do give you more comfort so you can continue ya physio and hydro to try and give you the best chance.

The VA gives them to Type 2 diabetics without explaining the side effects. You find out on your own that evening what happens when your blood sugar is well over 400 and spends the next couple of weeks in the 250 to 350 range. By the way, the injections help.

Very well explained! Thank you so much for this! Should I be concerned about getting this injection if I have HBP and Diabetes?

Very informative.. I am facing backpain. I am struggling...hope for the best

Thank you for your help.

I got 5 rounds of epidural shots for my back problems and the total number of shots between those 5 were 22 shots and NOT a single shot did any good at all. The only thing that helped me before my laminectomy surgery was physical therapy and I did try countless medications, chiropractor visits which didn't help as well.

We wish you a happy and good life! We will try to write you my husband and my self the particulars situation. Thank you for your time and consideration.

I've had 4 cervical epidurals and 2 facet joint injections an none worked. don't know if Drs did them right , but I gotta see a good spine dr to get out of this debilitating pain! It's depressing! Tired of pain meds and er Drs acting like I got anxiety an my neck & shoulder not messed up. Health care has went to shit seriously! Good vid Dr💯

Do thorough research b4 submitting to this dangerous non-FDA approved, $$ making procedure. The risks DO NOT outweigh the benefits - I'm still dealing with issues 18 yrs post ESI.

Thank you doctor, but please tell me when i can start do workout to strength muscles like swimming and pilates? I had my second epidural 10 days ago !and still feeling pain . What is Recommendation?

Thank you for this information

Very clear and helpful!

Thank you so much this was extremely helpful!

I'm 58 years old and suffered a sprained Lumbar and ligaments that results in a slight rupture to my L4 & L5. I'm not clear on what approach that the doctor will use. However, I work in theater. I'm required to do a lot of lifting. It sounds like this is not recovery. It sounds like just masking pain. Does PT repair the rupture?

Dr. Cooper, I had the steroid injections in my back 8 years ago and they were so painful, I was screaming. I will never have that done again unless they knock me out! But I have to say, they did work, I was pain free for 6 years! The sedation was completely useless. I am very hard to medicate, is there a way to go heavier on the sedation?

Mine worked for about 2 weeks. Had two same the second time.

THANKS doctor. I had an epid in neck and lower back. What exercises would you recommend for a healthy 52 yo male?

You have certainly clarified the process of the epidural treatment. However, l have been working on the mechanics for two years successfully and suddenly I am in excruciating pain again again, so I am wondering whether it is worth it and if you have any other suggestions. I can barely stand up from a lying position my legs are weak and the pain while walking is worse each day. Thank you.

Great video had an epadural for spinal stenosis back pain I was 80. First one did not have side effects & had relief. 2nd I was 85. One day later felt like I waw having a stroke nausea vomiting & felt strange. Called nurse was instructed to call 911.. Went to ER did not stay. Er doc had the nerve to say probably a touch of flu. Could have smacked him. No flu had 3 months of relief now 89 no mire epidural for me. Still in pain when standing only.

Your emphasis on using steroids as a window of opportunity - esp TESI/TFSI in addition to addressing the biomechanics is great ! How soon after the injection can one start on the exercises? Should one start early as in about 3 days after or wait for two wks post injection? Thank you for that lucid presentation!

Thank u very much sir for the useful information 🙏

I exercised and stayed active for my entire life. A fall down stairs at age 59 caused a pilon fracture in my right ankle and tibia. Being forced to use a walker and put all my weight on my left leg for 4 months caused my left hip to deteriorate to the point of needing replacement at age 63. I did physical therapy and as much appropriate exercise as I could. However, I have developed osteoarthritis in almost every joint in my legs, hands, and back, along with cervical stenosis. I am almost 76 now. I am still mobile but in almost constant pain when I have to be in motion. I am scheduled for an epidural in two days. My pain management doctor who is also an anesthesiologist will be doing the procedure. I am trying to be hopeful but realistic about the results. I would appreciate advice or suggestions from anyone in similar circumstances. ❤

Thank you so much Dr. !! Amazing explanation and very easy to understand even for a layman. I have visited 3 doctors and they only spoke the work "nerver block" for this,no explanation nothing.

I always got horrific headaches, neck pain, and bad agitation. Can no longer have them and they rarely touched the pain.

I’ve had so many and different ones as well a couple radio frequencies too. So why would they not work:(

Thank you Doctor for your explanation

Great content👏 Thank you very much

What exercises are good following the epidural injection?

Thank You!

I don’t know doctor… my specialist gave me an epidural prior to test blocks, and it did nothing to resolve the pain in my butt cheek, hip and leg.

Thanks Dr....Very nice details !!!! i suffer sudden lower back pain 3 months ago it staretd sans any symptoms ...now under spine therapist sans surgery !!pain is main problem in mornng but evening little better ...can i get cured ???!!!

Thank you

If the injection is mistakenly put in the left side, L4 L5, could it cause any harm to that non pain side? And why else would the injection be placed in the left side, unless it was a mistake?

Thank you so much for the educational information regarding epidural injections, wow you just blew my mind! I'm having epidural injections every 4 months lower back and neck due to herniated discs and sciatica pain on both legs and I feel great after for maybe 2-3 months and the last one last December 2023 in my lower back just did not work at all, someone said that is because I carry my 4 months daughter at all times of day and well I walk for almost 45mnts to an hour and a half with her on my arms, is she right? I also have my miniscus down bilateral a d don't know if that also does not help? Sorry I started with a compliment regarding your info-video and ended with 2 questions. Keep up the great work!

Thanks

I'm 60 and I have a herniated disk an scicet nerve has gotten bad and I have knee problems and more importantly it hurts like hell an I'm hoping to get upper derial this week

If the pain is on the right side, L4 L5, will an injection on the left side be of any help at all to the right side? Also, Is it possible that a shot could cause even more pain on either side? I understand that sometimes it takes three injections to help with the pain. ,

I thought that very informative but would also like to know, as I am scheduled for an "steroid injection", this coming week and am very apprehensive and although have a prescription of "Diazepam" to be taken 30 minutes prior to said procedure, I would like to know if it is at all possible to be given something in addition to or in lieu of that to alleviate my anxiety, such as what is given when undertaking a "Colonoscopy or even "Cataract" surgery?

I had the most painful epidural of my life yesterday it was the first one after a spinal fusion 2 years ago they used so much solution to hit the arthritic areas everything hurt from legs to my shoulders like a vice grip they gave me nothing for the night pain but i sweated it our till morning and am much better with the stiffness gone.Had many before surgery but first one after .

Hi sir 5 year back pain my eye 21. 5 days back epidural ingection not result same problems next time surgery or epidural ingection

People get lazy they don’t walk or train their muscles and expect doctors to fix them Fix yourself find a way I did it ! I’m doing it aged 56 I’m 57 kilos of pure muscle You don’t have an excuse I have so many injuries and still I train

If you were trying to decide if your back pain 2 years post surgery is from a failed or non-union at L4/L5 fusion or disc bulge at L5/S1 would a epidural injection tell which is causing the pain? Meaning if you get no relief could you assume the pain is from the Non Union but if you get relief that maybe the pain is from L5/S1?

Thank you for the video. PLEASE HELP ME! I've been dealing with sciatic pain for over four years now. It started basically around the time of the pandemic. Because I couldn't get proper treatment at the time, it kind of stayed with me and got worse. Now the recovery is very slow. I've tried everything except injection and surgery. The doctors say that it's a very mild case of disc slippage on my L5 and L4, and there is no way they're going to do surgery on me. I've tried acupuncture, physical therapy, medications, chiropractic lots of other things for YEARS, and everything works except only temporarily. The best thing that has worked for me has been progressive exercises. But the problem is the recovery phase is very slow. For example, I've been doing them non-stop for the past six months, and while I have seen improvements, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna have these limitations for at least another six months or so. Limitations such as not being able to sit pain-free and not being able to sit for more than, let's say, 20 minutes at all. If I sit longer, then I'm gonna have to pay for it, and this is affecting my relationship. At this point I don't remember how being normal feels like any more. when the doctors see my MRI they treat me as if I'm normal and nothing is wrong with me and they don't take me seriously. one of the most even put me on antidepressant drugs saying that it might be mental but that didn't help either. Do you think if I take an injection now it would help?

This is super helpful! Thank you

Good Video just the explanation I needed

I am doing MELT with roller on youtube. My functional doc suggested. Pain could be from the facia. Trying this now !

Im trying to get the authorization for these shots now. I have allot of pain in my neck and about a year and a half ago I go the shots in my neck and they did help for a while. Im wondering how they will effect my back, I have back pain when Im walking and standing for periods of time.

I this done and i feel much better the side effects i have now is urinating frequently

Good video

Thank you for the amazing video. I just underwent the lumbar epidural steroid injection procedure yesterday Feb 28, 2024 and l am expected to resume work on Monday Mar 04, 2024 after being in a sick leave for 5 weeks. Now my question is: Is it OK if l go back to the work on Monday? To this question yesterday l felt that my physician did not pay much attention he just said if you wont feel pain you can go without elaborating so much. Now please l just need to know is it madically OK if l resume my office work 4 days after this procedure?

I am hoping that this procedure can address the pain I am experiencing from a facet cyst at L4-L5. I have very minor disc bulging (per MRI) but the 1 cm cyst is having a mass impact in the spinal canal space.

I’ve had three epidural injections which didn’t work. SI injections. Now I just had R&L L3- S1 ablations which seems to be helping but it only been a week for the last. 3 1/2 years I had ablations helped. Why did they wait so long? I been doctoring since April. I mild stenosis I have bulging disc from the cervical through the L-S area. I have a fragmated disc at L3. I have all the symptoms you mentioned. I just want to feel better.

I'm suppose to get my injection on May 16th 2024. Thanks for video.

I have your video i'm really happy, i had tb of the spine few years back after the treatment for 9 months ,i still feel pain in lower back,numbness if foot, legs, and hands, what should i do and how can i locate you to consult

I had 1 5 years ago successfully done 5 years later another for sciatica back pain result numbness and weakness in right leg ? Should i see a lawyer ?