Nerve Block - Back Problems Message Board

aestrella411 · 12-16-2004, 10:22 PM

Has anyone here ever had a Medial Branch Block? It's apparently a diagnostic tool that rules out facet joint pain. They temporarily numb the nerves of the back and if you get somewhere from 2-6 hours of relief (no pain) then it's successful and they will do a more long term form of that procedure. This supposed long term procedure involves literally "burning" the nerves. I've interpreted this to mean that they merely block the receptors that perceive pain. I've been recommended this by the PM. Per my MRI results, I have a herniated L4/L5 disk. I have had terrible back pain and more ongoing bouts of sciatica primarily on my left leg but since the one ESI that I had, my right calf area is becoming affected. I'm too young for this, I'm only 20 but I'm going through the processes that some of you I believe have gone through. So, the way I see it, how beneficial can numbing nerves be? I mean, if it's successful and I don't feel pain, well....it appears as though I'm not going to feel much of anything else either. How can that be a good thing? What does anybody think out here about this??? I have no choice but to go through with this but I was wondering if anyone else out here has had a medial branch block. Any input is greatly appreciated. -Anita

beachgirl01 · 12-17-2004, 12:38 AM

Hi there,
I have never heard of this before but I have to say it doesn't sound like something I would like to stand behind and go through with for myself. I didn't even like having my ESI. It did nothing for me but made my pain more intense for several days and then it went back to the "normal" excruciating pain that i have all the time. I don't like the idea of blocking pain espescailly when it comes down to nerves. To me it seems as though when your body hurts it's telling you something is wrong and when you "numb" the pain you may tend to forget it's there and again when it comes to nerves and possibly getting permenant nerve damage I personally wouldn't want to block the pain. If there was no way that it would make things worse then I would consider going through with it. But when doctors say that they are going to block the pain, that scares me. My pain tells me when to stop and take it easy and if I cannot feel it than I would be scared that things would be getting worse and possibly leading to more damage that was even there before. Like I said I have never heard of this but by the way you described it, I wouldn't do it. That's just my personal opinion but I am going to look further into this. Take care and keep me posted on what's going on. Kristy.

Texmom · 12-17-2004, 08:16 AM

I've never heard of letting someone "burn" your nerves either. I had a nerve block, where the sadist shot keflex into my nerve in an attempt to relieve the sciatica. It resulted in the worst pain I've ever experienced in my life. My sciatica was relieved ONLY after the hemilaminectomy. The rest of this stuff is just avoiding the inevitable, in my opinion, and it's expensive and painful.

nascar24gordan · 02-28-2005, 11:55 AM

Yes I have had a nerve block about 8 months ago, and it hurts like heck. I tripped over a cable cord 3 years ago and have sacroilliatis. In extreme pain have had 8 months of therapy, 3 cortizone shots, a nerve block and nothing helps. They cannot keep my si in place it keeps popping out causing tremendous pain. DO NOT GET THE NERVE BLOCK If you have had a cortozone shots and it only gives you temporary relief then the nerve block will do the same. Only temporary relief. I will never get one again and definately don't recommend to anyone. I am begging my doctor to fuse me.

kwise · 02-28-2005, 02:18 PM

I had the nerve block on Tuesday last week (22nd) and by Friday I was admitted to hospital in worse shape. So my advise to you is not have it. I know I wont have it again.