Side effects of lumbar steriod injections?
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The most potentially immediate side effect is pain at the injection site. Other, more serious side effects include infection, nerve damage due to puncture, dural puncture (which can result in a severe headache and requires immediate "blood patching") and bleeding. However, these side effects are very rare...less than 1%.
Other, more latent side effects can include facial flushing, increased blood sugars (especially if you are diabetic), anxiety, avascular necrosis of the hip and potential eye problems such as central serrous retinopathy. There are also some reports of weight gain...but this is not very likely due to the small dose. Again, all these side effects are rare.
Some people are more at risk than others for side effects...espeically if you are diabetic, smoke or take blood thinners. Your doctor can discuss you potential risk rate.
The effectiveness of LESI is debateable...but usually has at least short term effects for 50% of the population for about 6 months...some people have longer results...especially if done in a series.
Good luck
My hubby had those done. First time he did great. About a year later his pain returned and they tried again but the disk had bulged out more and after 2 he was worse so it was on to back surgery. He didn't gain any weight or have any of the problems you mentioned. After the first one, the day you have if done there will be pain but if they are working in a few days you should tell a difference. I can't remember the reason but most will only give 3 within a certian amount of time.
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