I went to a Pain Specialist yesterday for my back and he wanted to do the ESI injections with Kenalog...infact that is the only thing he does. A previous doctor wanted to use DepoMedrol. As it took weeks to get either appointments after referals from my Orthopedic doctor, I spent some time on the web researching.

I truly wish I had some suggestions to help you with your pain. From what I've read, the pain initially after the injections seems to be much worse, but typically only lasts for a few days. I think you should get a referal to a nuerologist as soon as possible.

FYI...There appears to be protential for problems with the drugs they inject due to preservatives ie, Kenalog and DepoMedrol, but this seems to happen some time after the injections as in months or years.

As anxious as everyone has been for me to have these injections, especially Worker's Comp and the Disability Insurance folks, the pain doc decided yesterday that I was not a good candidate due to hypothyroidism and a bad reaction I had early on to oral steroids, not to mention my apprehension of the procedure...period.

I'm pretty sure I read somewhere on the net that neither Kenalog or DepoMedrol were approved by the manufacturers or the FDA for use in the spine, but I have been unable to locate the information again. If anyone sees this and can direct me, I would approciate it.

I hope you feel better soon.