bulging disc - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

Debzena · 10-08-2007, 07:45 PM

I have had chronic neck pain for almost a year. I am 44. The pain is terrible epecially most of the night. I have a bulging disc in c3 and c4. Also, straightening of the curvature spine and arthirits starting to set it. My next step is the epideral blocks. I am so afraid to do this, but not sure where else to turn. The pain travels up my neck to the back of my head, even when yawning, coughing and sneezeing. Its very hard to drive due to having to turn your head to change lanes, backing up etc. I have been told to get the cortizon shots, and another doctor wants to inject a shot with B12, and 2 other things. Which is the best shot to get?

PNo · 10-08-2007, 11:21 PM

Hi and welcome. First if you haven't had an MRI have them order one for sure. Get an evaluationj by a Neruosurgeon or Orthopedic surgeon (spine). I don't know anything about the B12 shot, that's the first I have heard about it. What kind of dr. recommended these actions?

There are lots of posts about epidural blocks on this board all you need to do is search. They can be helpful for some people.

AnnD · 10-09-2007, 12:58 AM

What kind of doctor are you seeing...just your regular doctor? If you are you need to be seeing a specialist before I would allow any shots. And if he hasn't done any testing to determine what specifically is wrong then I would not have any. Need more information.

chablis3 · 10-09-2007, 04:43 PM

I have had cortisone shots for my neck pain, and also steroid shots. I tolerated the cortisone shots ok, but the steroid shots gave me a bad headache for a day, but then it went away. Also had a "flare up" of pain in the neck region for a few days, but that went away also. I never heard of a B12 shot for neck pain. I get B12 shots occasionally becuse I am low on that, and I think B12 is more for energy. I also get the pain in the neck that travels up the back of skull, and a buzzing sound in the head which is always present. Don't be afraid to get the shots; they are not too bad. They just might help and make you feel better. They are worth it to make the pain go away for awhile. Good advice to go to a specialist and have tests done, also, as Ann and *********** said.

Take care!

Debzena · 10-09-2007, 07:07 PM

I went to a spine specialist. He suggests trying the epideral /cortizon shots first. Surgery would be the last resort, and to try and deal with the pain. Easy for him to say. I also went to a chiropractor, shes the one that said stay away from the cortizon only shots, because over time it turns like cotton inside. She suggested the mixture of xylancain (spelling?), B12 and something else. So I need to go to both anestiolgist/MD's for a consultation, then go from there. Are there any side effects to these shots? Does anyone have this kind of pain, radiating up the back of the head too. Nights are the worst.