My "cocktail" included an anti inflammatory.

I've had steroid injections in SI joint. It can take several days before you begin feeling relief. The duration of effectiveness was at best a couple of months. Since they restrict the number of these injections at two annually, it's not an effective treatment.

Since SI can be difficult to accurately diagnose, my ortho prescribed it not just for pain relief but as diagnostic tool.

I've had them. Helped settle down my pain and allow me to get in to therapy. Not long term, but can help get you going again.

Over 50k in injections over the course of three spine surgeries!!!! The mental anguish was the worst part of the injections, The cost adds up when you have multiple levels and of course because it’s under fluoroscopy. They don’t always work, sometimes the best thing God ever put into your body. It’s crapshoot but I would not hesitate to do it again!

quote:

Originally posted by Aeteocles:
Do the shots actually treat inflammation and disc bulging, or is it just a pain blocker?

For me the magic goo was some kinda steroid. Once I got the first injection the Docs told me no more steroids until 4 months had passed since the last injection...but I swear they got a caulking gun and filled me with thick glop....but it worked!!