I had 8 lumbar epidurals more than a decade ago as I was doing my best to avoid surgery. Some of them were VERY effective. A couple had no effect. One made me worse.
It's a pretty common early step as you are doing your due diligence in trying to avoid surgery. With spine... less surgery is better. If you are dealing with typical american insurance, I doubt you'll avoid the ESI's unless you are willing to jump straight to surgery... again... less surgery is better if possible.
Less EVERYTHING is better... including ESI's. Nothing is risk-free. Anytime they are poking needles and scalpels around your spine, there is a chance that something will go wrong. I don't see why some pain management doctors and surgeons will do a third ESI when there was no benefit from the first two.
Good luck!
Mark
PS... If you must have surgery, something less invasive than a fusion is preferable, presuming you are a good candidate.
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