Experiences with cervical injections? - Pain Management Message Board

nancyjo · 04-29-2009, 06:25 PM

Hi all--

I saw my new PM doctor today and she recommended the series of three injections for my ongoing neck pain. Having read momto3kids' not-so-great experience with these recently, I am not at all sure I want to go this route; does anyone have any input you can share with me?

Thanks,
NancyJo

SpineAZ · 04-29-2009, 09:48 PM

I have found these quite easy. Ask your PM doctor if he uses "conscious sedation" for these. My PM doctor does, so I would lay down and get IV fentanyl and versed. I never felt the cervical injection and went home for a nice nap after each one. They did work for quite a while for me both before and after surgery (with flare ups).

1sunny1 · 04-30-2009, 09:12 AM

I have had 4 epidurals in the cervical spine. In between these injections, I get trigger point injections. I have no problems with the injections and they give me relief for about 3 months. I do not get any sedation with these and feel no pain, they are pretty easy to have.

Sunny

Kerri532 · 04-30-2009, 10:48 AM

I have never had cervical injections but I had several lumbar injections. I don't think the doctor gave me enough whatever they give you, to numb me. I felt every bit of it and was crying by the time it was over. Since then I have refused injections. I am sure doctors are somewhat different in how they do them but I am totally scared of needles, worse now than before. Last time I had my neck checked out, they wanted to a discogram on my neck. I was too dang scared of that also. Had one done on my lumbar. HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE, HORRIBLE. Has anyone had lumbar injections that didn't hurt too bad? I would consider them again if I knew that maybe my doctor didn't numb me enough. I have a different doctor now than when I had them done.
Thanks,
Grandma Kerri

Loyll · 07-14-2009, 08:33 AM

I have had a cervical discectomy with fusion in March of 2008. I had 2 epidurals prior to the surgery, but was told if the second one does not give any relief then the third one is useless, so the spinal specialist decided on surgery. After the surgery I did get some relief, but only about 75%.

A year after the surgery the spinal surgeon decided to go with another series of epidural since my pain had not resided. He told me there could be only 3 in a year's period; however, after seven months I could not stand the pain once again and he told me I could have another set of epidurals or go with one every two months. The last two epidurals were so painful that I could not stand straight up afterwards. Each one got worse and I have declined the third and went with trigger point injections along with the epidurals and two of the injections yesterday. I have had to take pain meds during the day several times a day or afte I do anything strenuous. he also told me not to lift over 15lbs for the rest of my life. This has really diminished my activity and have gained weight from both the injections and loss of activity. I try to swim n a daily basis, but biking is out. I also have to take a muscle relaxant at night to sleep at least four hours.

We have decided to try some physical therapy with electrical stiulation and traction. He wants me to get a traction device for the house. I will wait and see. I do think I would rather do this than go through any other surgery, which may be the next stage on a disc lower.