Cortisone shot ruptured my disk?

Had an epidural cortisone shot with xray guidance to relieve sciatica from L5/S1. Immediately following had terrible pain, from a 5 or 6 to off the scale. This went on for about a week then the disk ruptured. My neurosurgeon said it exploded and fragments went down my spinal canal.

End result: had to have a fusion at 34 years old.

It is normal for a cortisone injection to do this? Is it possible that during the injection the needle actually penetrated the bulging disk and some of the cortisone got injected into the disk causing it to bulge more and eventually explode?

I am a father of 4, ages 4 mos. to 9, and cannot work yet. We are losing our house because I cannot make the payments due to lack of income.

It's highly unlikely that it was caused by the injection. The worst risk of epidurals that I've read about (and I've done a LOT of research) is the possibility of bleeding into the spine or nerve damage (and those are extremely rare, more so with a skilled anesthesiologist/doctor). The first reported epidural was done in 1901 and they injected cocaine! They were done through the 20's and up and in the 50's they started injecting corticosteroids.

What was the initial cause of the disk rupture? It's far more likely that it was already on it's way or that some further trauma set it off. (even picking up the kids can do it, and I know how impossible it is to not do that believe me.)

I'm sorry for your problems, I'm 35, mother of 3 (5 mo., 1.5 yrs., 3.5 yrs) and also am unable to work. Until my last child was born I only had 1 disk out (L5/S1), now it's 5 in a row. Epidurals had previously made it possible for me to function but they aren't working now. I hope things work out for you. Don't be too proud to ask for help, there are community organizations, churches, ect that have programs. Check your local United Way also.

I am guessing but I bet the pressure form the compaction ruptured the disc. Cortosone shots are stupid treatments and do nothing but temporary relief of pain. They never help the disc condition. They will harm you only after alot of shots. but I do not think it would rupture your disc.

what kind of work did you do? Look in to workers compensation...... talk to some counselors about this option. And temporary disability!! There are help programs, get some, if you can.

You really need some massage and hands on work to relieve the tightness that is probably still unaddressed! The pain in your back is also from tightness in your legs, etc. Not physical therapy, but go for massage and related manipulation of the muscles, even Ortho-bionomy would help tremendously. Take care of yourself so you can live a full life. Your children nedd you for thelong run, so do not worry about the "things". It is you that is most important!