Mri with contrast shows I have a piece of disc (according to my pain management doctor) floating in the S1-L5 area of my spine. This has caused entrapment of my S1 nerve on both the left or right side of the nerve root. Mri I have states "some enhancing fibrosis around the S1 nerve root and dural sac". My doctor would like me to try steroid injections in this area to "clean up toxins around the nerve". States will not help with the piece of "floating" disc, which is what is causing most of my pain. Is this normal procedure? And is it worth the risks that may be involved. Would love input from others that have had these injections.

I have had steroid injections in the area of my spine. They work very, very well - for me.

I don't know if it's a "normal" procedure but I trust my Physician, it was his recommendation, I am pain free about three days after the injections.

I question how safe steroids are in large dosages but I do trust him.

Yes I question the use of steroids period. Especially since it will not help me with my main pain problem. Is she trying to really help me or is it just another thing to bill medicaid for. Never heard of toxins and stuff being around the pinched nerves, but I'm no expert. Just don't want any unnecessary procedures.

Here is a link to MedicineNet that contains a section on patient discussions. These are user reports involving at least some of the same type of injections you are contemplating.

Patient Discussions: Cortisone Injection - Side effects - Viewers Share Their Medical Experiences on MedicineNet (http://www.medicinenet.com/cortisone_injection/discussion-526.htm)