Cortisone injections are highly variable in their effectiveness. The cortisone will reduce the swelling around the nerve(s). For some folks that is all that is needed and the person is able to strengthen the area and the pain subsides on its own. Other times, they are not effective because the nerve continues to receive pressure rendering the injection ineffective. I have had both effective epidural injections and then one that was not effective. In my ineffective case, I had a myeloma tumor growing in my L2 nerve space. It became a surgical emergency. The Cortisone itself is not contraindicated while on MM drugs. If you have not had a recent CT or MRI you might want to ask your pain management provider about getting one. I am not surprised that your oncologist did not respond. Fortunately, I have an oncologist who is direct and that tells me to ask the appropriate specialist. She also adds that if the specialist has questions, to give her a call and she will answer them. Be your own advocate and ask questions until you get them answered. Hope that helps.

I got one once, over a year ago for pain due my pinched L4 nerve. The L4 vertebrae was repaired but remains a bit pinched.

The pain reduction only lasted a few weeks. Nothing I’ll ever do again.

I had one but it didn't work and my MM team figured it was more the MM causing the back pain than my arthritis so I have postponed the second one.

I have had several cortisone shots in my back and they helped for awhile.

I’m in remission and I had shoots in my back, they worked for about a month. The relief was good for the time it lasted. I’d recommend them.