Cervical Epidurals - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

schragie · 09-03-2003, 08:08 PM

Just curious, cervies:

What's the longest anyone has had a cervical epidural last? I have had 4 in the past 6 months. The longest one lasted about 2 1/2 months. My most recent one was successful and I had it a week ago.

My doc says some people have relief for years. Anyone get that lucky?

Lisa

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1999 fusion C5-6 & C6-7
2002 herniation of C4-5

PsychLea · 09-03-2003, 08:55 PM

Lisa,

I think people differ on how much pain relief they get. Sounds like you have been having good results.

I had 2 epi's and they did nothing for me, however, the trigger point injections have helped reduce the muscle spasms.

I don't think I have heard of anyone having years of relief from one course of steroids, but it doesn't "hurt" to think that way.

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God bless,

Lea

C4-5 noncompressive disc displacement
C5-6 compressive disc displacement
C6-7 broad based disc protrusion encroaching on the anterioposterior aspect of the spinal canal.
DDD
ACDF C6-7 5/13/03 with titanium plate,4 screws, and no collar postop.
New MRI 8/25/03
C5-6 posterior annular bulge, now with spurring,canal stenosis, and foraminal stenosis

lifeonhold2003 · 09-09-2003, 01:15 AM

I just had 2 steroid epidurals 2 weeks apart with no help. I decided not to return for the third. There were other people there getting them that said they had results from a series of 3 shots that would last them a year to a year and a half. I wasn't so fortunate. Hopefully, you will be. Good luck.

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AKA: Julie

4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op

PainInTheNeckJackie · 09-09-2003, 06:49 AM

Lisa, I just received a prescription from my Ortho for my first cervical epidural. I've picked up the phone 3 times and hung it up 3 times. I'm very nervous about the epidural. My doctor told me "he has heard of disasters". How am I supposed to feel about it? My PT keeps telling me it's the only hope I have left for long term pain free feeling, but after reading many posts, people need 2, 3, 4 of them and they still don't work. I am SOOOOOO confused at this point. Can anyone shed positive light on this subject?

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Jackie
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Left paramedian subligamentous herniation C5-C6 causing left foraminal stenosis and cord compression;
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Right paramedian subligamentous herniation at C6-C7, abutted against the vetral aspect of the spinal cord

lifeonhold2003 · 09-09-2003, 01:20 PM

I did want to add that there are different types of shots and that some are more effective than others. It also has to do with who and how the shots are administered, so I've read.
Julie

[This message has been edited by lifeonhold2003 (edited 09-09-2003).]