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Even though I've had a steroid injection in my back before, my doctor says I'm not a good candidate for this now. Should I just go see someone else who will do this for me?

Steroid injections into the epidural space around the spinal cord have been used for many years with mixed results. What researchers are finding out now is that some people are better candidates than others for this treatment.

Patient safety is the main motivator for turning someone away from having this procedure. Based on studies we know that anyone taking an anticoagulant drug should not have an epidural space injection (ESI). Anyone who has had a bad mental or physical reaction to ESI is also not advised to have an ESI.

Diabetes, infection, or spinal malignancy also rule out this treatment. A few precautions are also followed. ESI is only used occasionally for anyone with congestive heart failure, during pregnancy, or when the injection failed in the past.

Patients who seem to benefit the most from this procedure include those with low back pain and sciatica who have not been helped by other treatment. ESI is sometimes used as the last resort before surgery.

If the surgeon is aware of these factors and knows the ESI is not indicated, he or she will not advise patients to have an ESI. This is true even if you had a previously successful result. Your situation could be changed now from a medical point of view.

Don't hesitate to ask your surgeon for a more detailed explanation for saying you aren't a good candidate. Knowing the reasons could save you time, money, and perhaps prevent unnecessary problems.

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