epidurals fot back pain, can it ever be too late to be given??

[tweenyb]

my physiotherapist said they cant give an epidural after 3-5 months as inflamation will have gone down on spine and therefore probably wont help. im in agony and really want to try.

is it ever too late to get an epidural (had back and leg pain since april this year)
also any ideas whether i am entitled to ask to at least try??

many thanks xxx

[Sqad]

tweeny...the best results of steroidal epidurals are indeed in the acute stage i.e within the first 2-3 months.

However, I must assume that you have had an MRI scan of your lumbar spine and seen an Orthopaedic Surgeon before I can comment further.

[bednobs]

a epidurals are not without considerable risk, it is wisest to do them when they could do the most benefit, so that the potential benefits outweigh the risks. You can ask, but ultimately, your doctor will have the medical knowledge to make a decision with the benefit of all your medical history and notes. Do you go to the pain clinic?

[tweenyb]

brilliant thank you both for your answers.

i do attend the pain clinic but it has in fact made my condition worse

[bednobs]

that's pants!