Well, the idea with ESI is that a patient should exhaust less invasive measures before surgery is even considered. Surgery is the absolute end of the road.
90% of patients with herniations and other issues spontaneous recover in 6 months. Less than 10% of patients with spine "trouble" require surgery.
Gil, I know you fit into a different category. If the injections feel as if they are not working discuss this with your physician. I did this and it was advised that we should throw in the towel and think about other options.
Good luck and keep us posted!
__________________
-Justin
1994 Football Injury
1997 Snow Skiing Injury
Laminotomy L4/L5 (3.7.97--17 years old)
1999 & 2003 MVA (not at fault both times)
Grade V Tears L4/L5 & L5/L6
2-Level ProDisc® L4/L5 & L5/L6* *lumbosacral transitional vertebra (11.15.03--23 years old)
Dr. Rudolf Bertagnoli -- dr-bertagnoli.com
Pain-free for the last 4.5 yrs.
5.14.09 DSS with Dr. B.
I'm here to help.  Only checking PMs currently.
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