topic Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections in Wellness

Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 01:56:54 GMT

Has anyone had these done? I've been dealing with severe neck pain for several months. I'm also experiencing some numbness in my hands. I kept putting off seeing the doctor but finally did, which resulted in x-rays and then an MRI. I am awaiting an appointment with the specialist. The pain is so bad that if he suggested surgery immediately I'd go for it. Even so, I have a feeling the initial recommendation will be steroid injections.

My questions -
Does it hurt while they're being administered?
How long before they take effect?
How long does the benefit last?
Did you get them and ultimately have surgery anyway?

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

shoekitty — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 02:06:15 GMT

Yes, saved my life in a way. I get them 2 x a year. I have herniated disc, scoliosis, degenerated discs, sciatica and stenosis. I get pain clear to feet. When it gets really bad, my knee actually is in pain. I think they do 3, 4 and 5 usually on right side.

i was scared at first. I was afraid of it all going wrong, but it is a popular procedure, and runs pretty smooth. I have had excellent results most of the time. about 4 years ago pain was so bad, it didn't matter if I lived or died. So I went for it!! What a relief! Once or twice since then it didn't work as well. My former Doctor, before my husband retired and we had to do medicare, did them in a surgery center. I came in early, they did the vitals and pre op so to speak. I then had procedure, and went to recovery until versed medication wore off. Since I went on medicare with supplement I got one. Went to surgery center and I was on and out in an hour I think. They know exactly where to go. I do not do dye contrast, but they use machine to do mark spot and see nerve.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 10:12:10 GMT

@shoekitty wrote:
Yes, saved my life in a way. I get them 2 x a year. I have herniated disc, scoliosis, degenerated discs, sciatica and stenosis. I get pain clear to feet. When it gets really bad, my knee actually is in pain. I think they do 3, 4 and 5 usually on right side.

i was scared at first. I was afraid of it all going wrong, but it is a popular procedure, and runs pretty smooth. I have had excellent results most of the time. about 4 years ago pain was so bad, it didn't matter if I lived or died. So I went for it!! What a relief! Once or twice since then it didn't work as well. My former Doctor, before my husband retired and we had to do medicare, did them in a surgery center. I came in early, they did the vitals and pre op so to speak. I then had procedure, and went to recovery until versed medication wore off. Since I went on medicare with supplement I got one. Went to surgery center and I was on and out in an hour I think. They know exactly where to go. I do not do dye contrast, but they use machine to do mark spot and see nerve.

Thanks, @shoekitty. Did you ever have any finger numbness? Did feeling return?

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

lizzief — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 03:13:10 GMT

I’ve been dealing with neck pain for 20 years, very long story, but I’ve had 2 spinal fusions and more epidurals than I can count! First, epidurals don’t hurt at all, they put you out in twilight mode, there may be some soreness after which an ice pack will help with. The trick is for the doctor to get in just the right spot, which doesn’t always happen, so it may take a couple of tries - or honestly may not work at all, which they should be honest and tell you. In my case, I totally get that if surgery is recommended, you’re ready! Keep in mind that surgeons cut people, that’s their job, so you may want a second opinion - you’re looking at quite a bit of down time (2-3 mos) and it’s no fun, trust me! Surgery did relieve my pain that was so bad, I literally could understand why people off themselves because they can’t stand it! I still have quite a bit of pain, so surgery is not perfect all of the time either, that’s the point. I’ve had several epidurals since, which sometimes take the edge off. Not sure what to advise you, except that any relief from epidurals will most likely be temporary if you have enough damage to warrant surgery. You have to wrap your head around the surgery, it took me a long time and I tried everything first! And then the first surgery didn’t work, so I had the second about 2 yrs later. No fun, for sure, I feel your pain! It’s hard to know what to do, but don’t do what I did is what I would say. I wasted WAY too much time & pain trying everything under the sun. Yes, get an opinion or two, but don’t waste too much time in pain - it’s just awful! But do your due diligence, if you decide on surgery, go to the best, even if you have to travel. DON’T go to Laser Spine Institute - my first try (told you I tried everything) to avoid the invasive surgery, a total ripoff! Good luck!

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

butterfly123 — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 04:08:29 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

My sister had disc issues, cluster migraines and horrendous neck pain. She had numbness in her hands and fingers.

She had injections for four years and that didn’t help.

She had surgery a couple of months ago. Slow healing process and physical therapy. She was doing better and then she was in a car accident.

She definately benefitted from the surgery and her numbness is gone also.

Some are helped with the injections. Your insurance may require you to do the injections first.

I hope you find relief. You’re in my thoughts.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

shoekitty — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 04:59:28 GMT

Yes finger tingling at times. Left hand only. Personally, I refused surgery. They have offered it to me many times, and I qualify. I am 70, and don't want to deal with the long healing and less mobility. At my age if I stay still for a few hours, I rust . But this is just me. I figure if I am lucky, I have 20 years left.

one thing I did that seriously helped me is exercising. I weight lift and do resistance training. I started so small a couple years ago, and I increase it. Sometimes I cant for a few days but I make sure to do what I can. The strength that occurred in my back muscles is amazing. It helps me.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

Tyak — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:06:32 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
Has anyone had these done? I've been dealing with severe neck pain for several months. I'm also experiencing some numbness in my hands. I kept putting off seeing the doctor but finally did, which resulted in x-rays and then an MRI. I am awaiting an appointment with the specialist. The pain is so bad that if he suggested surgery immediately I'd go for it. Even so, I have a feeling the initial recommendation will be steroid injections.

My questions -
Does it hurt while they're being administered?
How long before they take effect?
How long does the benefit last?
Did you get them and ultimately have surgery anyway?

Try physical therapy. My neck is a mess. I also had numbness in one arm down to the hand. My first experience with a therapist was 12 years ago, went for therapy for 3 months and was pain free for about 10 years with daily exercises. Had problems again 2 years ago, had therapy again 2x week for 4 months and have been pain free since which is going on 2 years now. Again, I am doing daily exercises to hopefully remain pain free as long as possible. My therapist told me to have surgery only as a last resort.

I do urge you to give therapy a try. It might help you.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

bathina — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 17:16:40 GMT

I've had 5 of them over the course of 2 years. The last one finally worked (losing 25 lbs also helped). I had them done at a pain clinic. The doc would have me lay on my stomach, he'd inject numbing medication into my lower back, and using an xray type of machine to pinpoint my disc herniation, injected the steroid. I focused on my breathing, drawing air in and then slowly out through my nose. This helped to take my mind off the injection. The injection itself gives you a burning sensation, but if you can force yourself to relax through deep breathing, it's not bad.

I was up and about immediately each time. The first few injections gave me only temporary relief, but the last one was permanent. I was able to stop taking the Percocet, and now don't even need an NSAID. I'm completely pain free.

I hope you are able to get some relief. Constant pain changes you and not for the better. Good luck.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

sfnative — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 18:24:59 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

My response is based on my experience and clinical knowledge.

I was rear-ended by 4 drunk drivers over a period of 12 years. Yes, it's as though I had a sign on the back of my car which read, "If you're drunk, hit me." Anyway, the result was trauma at the C5-6 level, which is where the force of such hits is directed (per my neurosurgeon). After 17 years, my neck was in near total protective spasm and I had only 5 degree of motion to the left. Additionally, I had started to dropped x-rays at work and had some pattern numbness in my right hand. Ended up having an anterior diskectomy with fusion at that level. Wow! Got my neck back! Fantastic result from the surgery in 1992, which continues to this day.

The give-away in your case (the red light coming on) was that you're experiencing numbness). This is usually caused by nerve compression. If the compression is caused by osteophytes/arthritis, fracture (could just be a tiny one) or a number of other reasons which are not inflammatory in nature (swelling causing pressure on a nerve), then an epidural will have no effect on your present condition. If inflammatory in nature, then an epidural may very well help, as a steriod is one of several components of an epidural.

Edited to Add: Please insure that your physician/surgeon takes the numbness seriously, as the next step in the process is development of weakness. These central nervous symptoms can increase in their scope to the extent that they become permanent losses for you, unless acted upon; e.g., pressure on nerve or nerve bundle is surgically relieved.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 08 Aug 2018 19:43:38 GMT

@Tyak wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
Has anyone had these done? I've been dealing with severe neck pain for several months. I'm also experiencing some numbness in my hands. I kept putting off seeing the doctor but finally did, which resulted in x-rays and then an MRI. I am awaiting an appointment with the specialist. The pain is so bad that if he suggested surgery immediately I'd go for it. Even so, I have a feeling the initial recommendation will be steroid injections.

My questions -
Does it hurt while they're being administered?
How long before they take effect?
How long does the benefit last?
Did you get them and ultimately have surgery anyway?
Try physical therapy. My neck is a mess. I also had numbness in one arm down to the hand. My first experience with a therapist was 12 years ago, went for therapy for 3 months and was pain free for about 10 years with daily exercises. Had problems again 2 years ago, had therapy again 2x week for 4 months and have been pain free since which is going on 2 years now. Again, I am doing daily exercises to hopefully remain pain free as long as possible. My therapist told me to have surgery only as a last resort.

I do urge you to give therapy a try. It might help you.

Thanks for that suggestion, @Tyak, but I don't think that would work in my case, based on my MRI findings.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Thu, 09 Aug 2018 21:11:11 GMT

@sfnative wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch

My response is based on my experience and clinical knowledge.

I was rear-ended by 4 drunk drivers over a period of 12 years. Yes, it's as though I had a sign on the back of my car which read, "If you're drunk, hit me." Anyway, the result was trauma at the C5-6 level, which is where the force of such hits is directed (per my neurosurgeon). After 17 years, my neck was in near total protective spasm and I had only 5 degree of motion to the left. Additionally, I had started to dropped x-rays at work and had some pattern numbness in my right hand. Ended up having an anterior diskectomy with fusion at that level. Wow! Got my neck back! Fantastic result from the surgery in 1992, which continues to this day.

The give-away in your case (the red light coming on) was that you're experiencing numbness). This is usually caused by nerve compression. If the compression is caused by osteophytes/arthritis, fracture (could just be a tiny one) or a number of other reasons which are not inflammatory in nature (swelling causing pressure on a nerve), then an epidural will have no effect on your present condition. If inflammatory in nature, then an epidural may very well help, as a steriod is one of several components of an epidural.

Edited to Add: Please insure that your physician/surgeon takes the numbness seriously, as the next step in the process is development of weakness. These central nervous symptoms can increase in their scope to the extent that they become permanent losses for you, unless acted upon; e.g., pressure on nerve or nerve bundle is surgically relieved.

Thank you, @sfnative

I have a combination of things going on, including compression at C5/C6 where the disc is degenerating and I'm sure there's some pressure on the nerves - hence the numbness. The neck, skull, and shoulder pain are all related. I also have something going on with the left atlas. Both are a big deal to me and I will definitely make sure the specialist hears me. Surgery is a big thing, but I would welcome it if it would give me relief and resolution.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

Tyak — Fri, 10 Aug 2018 19:24:02 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

You don't know until you try therapy whether or not it will work. My therapist didn't think it would do my any good when she first went over my records but, it did. Before I went into that type of surgery, I'd sure give it a try. My therapist told me if and when I did need surgery, I'd be looking at 1 year to fully recuperate from it. Not something I'd go into without exercising all my options.

But, good luck with whatever you end up doing.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 18:45:41 GMT

@Tyak wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch

You don't know until you try therapy whether or not it will work. My therapist didn't think it would do my any good when she first went over my records but, it did. Before I went into that type of surgery, I'd sure give it a try. My therapist told me if and when I did need surgery, I'd be looking at 1 year to fully recuperate from it. Not something I'd go into without exercising all my options.
But, good luck with whatever you end up doing.

@Tyak Thank you for your good wishes. Believe me, if there was another viable option I'd try it. I've tried chiropractic adjustments and theraputic massage already. Both were painful. PT isn't going to regrow my degerated disc(s) or recreate space to unpinch nerves and allow them to expand again.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

lulu1 — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:18:05 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

I had a similar problem with pain and numbness. My MRI revealed surgery was warranted. I had a cervical fusion involving 3 discs. Cadaver bone was used. My recuperation was relatively easy. I wore a cervical collar for a time. (I wore one before surgery so it was no big deal) Two years later, I do have a scar from the incision at the base of my neck. (front)

If your doctor indicated surgery will be needed sooner or later, I'd (personally) skipped the shots and instead do the surgery now.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

this is my nic — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:25:52 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

Hi Jeane Louise! I have had many injections to my lower back, L4 and L5 vertebrae.

1. They are painful, but can be done under conscious sedation. You feel nothing and are asleep. I have no idea why the term "conscious sedation" is used.

2. Out of the 10 or more I've had done, only 2 worked. My most recent was in early June and had no effect.

3. The ones that worked lasted maybe 6 weeks or so.

4. Surgery is not recommended in my case.

Good luck to you! I hope if you decide to get the injections you will get relief.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Wed, 15 Aug 2018 00:23:21 GMT

@lulu1 wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch
I had a similar problem with pain and numbness. My MRI revealed surgery was warranted. I had a cervical fusion involving 3 discs. Cadaver bone was used. My recuperation was relatively easy. I wore a cervical collar for a time. (I wore one before surgery so it was no big deal) Two years later, I do have a scar from the incision at the base of my neck. (front)

If your doctor indicated surgery will be needed sooner or later, I'd (personally) skipped the shots and instead do the surgery now.

Thank you, @lulu1. If he agrees, and if I can get on his schedule soon, that would be my preference too. I don't even care about the scar. Everything is speculation at this point as to the exact procedure and how it's going to be done. I'm doing my research and writing my questions down. Post surgery, were you able to sleep in your bed or did you use something else like a recliner temporarily? How long were you in the colllar after the surgery? How long until you could shower and drive again?

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

Annabellethecat66 — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:31:59 GMT

I've had so many of those I've lost count. None of them helped me at all!

I was supposed to get more done a week ago (they also burn the nerves).

I've had every procedure you've heard of and some you probably haven't. Nothing has done any good.

My Drs do the injections under an X-ray. But the first time before I was sent to them I had some idiots at the hospital (trial and error) do them. It was unbelievably painful that way!

Then I started at this place I've gone to since 2003. They continue to try to get some kind of pain relief for me. So far nothing has helped.

My pain is so bad I've vomited totally from the severe pain.

I've met people (in the waiting room) who've had the procedure where they put wires under the skin. Most of the people say it worked for a short time but stopped and wasn't worth getting it done.

I've talked to people in the waiting room who've flown into see my Drs from around the world, so they're good Drs.

One of the Drs I used to see who is still in the practice is working with stem cell to try to find relief for people. Insurance doesn't cover it but if they think it might help me, I'd gladly pay for it. Right now though, my Dr said I need to wait and see.

Stay tuned. I hope though you are able to get relief. People who think they know what this pain is like has no real idea unless they have the severe kind (like I have and maybe you do).

I am 71 years old and am very lucky health-wise. I could do anything EXCEPT this stupid back keeps me from doing just about anything.

Good luck.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

lulu1 — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:38:22 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@lulu1 wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch
I had a similar problem with pain and numbness. My MRI revealed surgery was warranted. I had a cervical fusion involving 3 discs. Cadaver bone was used. My recuperation was relatively easy. I wore a cervical collar for a time. (I wore one before surgery so it was no big deal) Two years later, I do have a scar from the incision at the base of my neck. (front)

If your doctor indicated surgery will be needed sooner or later, I'd (personally) skipped the shots and instead do the surgery now.
Thank you, @lulu1. If he agrees, and if I can get on his schedule soon, that would be me preference too. I don't even care about the scar. Everything is speculation at this point as to the exact procedure and how it's going to be done. I'm doing my research and writing my questions down. Post surgery, were you able to sleep in your bed or did you use something else like a recliner temporarily? How long were you in the colllar after the surgery? How long until you could shower and drive again?

@JeanLouiseFinch

I was in the hospital overnight but had no problem sleeping in bed. I showered as soon as I came home from the hospital. I really cannot remember how long I wore the collar after surgery because I was in it for weeks before the surgery, Truthfully, it became a security blanket and did not want to give it up. I think I was cleared to drive a week after surgery at my follow-up appointment.

I'm not sure what specialist you are seeing; I saw a neuro-surgeon.

Good luck. Truthfully, this was one of the easiest surgeries I've had. Last week I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and see the oncology surgeon next week. If only the surgery were as easy as this one, I'd be one happy camper.

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

JeanLouiseFinch — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 20:56:37 GMT

@lulu1 wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch wrote:
@lulu1 wrote:
@JeanLouiseFinch
I had a similar problem with pain and numbness. My MRI revealed surgery was warranted. I had a cervical fusion involving 3 discs. Cadaver bone was used. My recuperation was relatively easy. I wore a cervical collar for a time. (I wore one before surgery so it was no big deal) Two years later, I do have a scar from the incision at the base of my neck. (front)

If your doctor indicated surgery will be needed sooner or later, I'd (personally) skipped the shots and instead do the surgery now.
Thank you, @lulu1. If he agrees, and if I can get on his schedule soon, that would be me preference too. I don't even care about the scar. Everything is speculation at this point as to the exact procedure and how it's going to be done. I'm doing my research and writing my questions down. Post surgery, were you able to sleep in your bed or did you use something else like a recliner temporarily? How long were you in the colllar after the surgery? How long until you could shower and drive again?
@JeanLouiseFinch
I was in the hospital overnight but had no problem sleeping in bed. I showered as soon as I came home from the hospital. I really cannot remember how long I wore the collar after surgery because I was in it for weeks before the surgery, Truthfully, it became a security blanket and did not want to give it up. I think I was cleared to drive a week after surgery at my follow-up appointment.

I'm not sure what specialist you are seeing; I saw a neuro-surgeon.

Good luck. Truthfully, this was one of the easiest surgeries I've had. Last week I was diagnosed with uterine cancer and see the oncology surgeon next week. If only the surgery were as easy as this one, I'd be one happy camper.

Thanks so much for the insight. Yes, the specialist is a neurosurgeon, highly regarded in the region, so I have every confidence in him, if that's the route I end up going. I'm very sorry to read about your recent diagnosis. I could have been in the same boat. I was very bad about going for my yearly exams, ended up with some abnormal bleeding a few years ago. Long story short, there were some precancerous cells detected and I had a complete hysterectomy soon thereafter. I know no one on these forums really "knows" one another, but I just offered a prayer for guidance of your surgeon's hands and that you'll come out of the operation cancer free and have a smooth recovery. Take care and God Bless!

Re: Epidural Cervical Spine Injections

Tyak — Tue, 14 Aug 2018 22:16:49 GMT

@JeanLouiseFinch

I'm not bugging you about therapy but it helped me soooo much, that I can't believe it and I want everyone to try it just in case it helps them. I know it hurt but for me, it hurt so much it felt good, if that makes any sense. Geez, I hope you get relief and don't have to go through surgery. I know how much that neck pain hurts and robs you of any enjoyment in life. I feel for you, I really do.