injections? - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

alex12 · 06-12-2007, 01:44 PM

Hi I am wondering if anyone has had injections for their cervical spine? If so what kind and did it work?
I am deathly afraid of surgery since I already have a swallowing problem and I hear the surgery can make it worse. My NS said we could try injections....I am wondering if they will help at all. My main problem is at C5 and 6. I have large spurs, degeneration, arthritis disc bulging and conmpression of the cord. All that and I am only 34! UGH!

SKZ · 06-12-2007, 03:45 PM

I have had both facet joint injections for arthritis and epidurals for my disk issues. From what I have researched, it seems that once you have disk degeneration that arthritis can follow. I had minimal relief from these injections. I had so many it just was getting ridiculous already. I also had Botox injections in my upper back for spasms. That didnt work at all either. To be really honest, I wish I had had my ACDF C5-C7 a few years earlier because I needlessly suffered for 5 years before I got ANY relief. I had it in Jan. I am doing tons better. The pain is still not gone, but its managable now, whereas before it was not.

Backinthesaddle · 06-13-2007, 09:21 AM

Depends I had a series of 3 about 14 months after my first surgery it helped. So I think it all depends on your issues. I also took the valium drip so that there was no movement during the injections.

moonchaser · 06-13-2007, 06:56 PM

IMO, if you are not in tremendous pain and able to cope with the symptoms, then I'd definitely explore the injections first. I have had two epidural injections so far, but with no luck I'm afraid. One neurosurgeon just recommended for me a one level ACDF, but told me if I could deal with the symptoms, go ahead and try facet joint injections too while I wait for a surgery appointment. She didn't think in my case facet joint injections would help much though. I am getting my second opinion next week with NS #2.

I am at a point with my symptoms now where the lack of functionality in my life and frustration has helped me to overcome a fear of surgery. It's affecting my work life and job performance, and causing me stress and anxiety to try to "keep up". It's also robbing me of the things I enjoy in my home life. I've had to give up riding my horses competitively for now, which was my passion. I want my life back.

Everyone reacts differently to the injections. For you, they might be just the right fix, even if it's temporary. I'd say it's worth a "shot", pun intended. :-) Good luck to you - keep us posted.