Hi there . From the nature of your friends complaints I assess that she is suffering from a disc prolapse and all the conventional forms of medications have not done her much good . The kind of injection you have mentioned is most probably an Epidural Steroid injection which is administered around the nerve . Unfortunately it can only be administered by either a neurosurgeon or an orthopedician .......and not by some nurse . Take appointment from some other doctor . In the meantime put her on opiod medication like oxycodone an some oral stetoid like medrol under strict supervision . Complete bed rest is must . I hope my advice has helped Good luck