Wellness

[SXMGirl]

Has anyone had one or more of these and did you have pain or complications?  What I thought to be SIRVA has now been diagnosed with a spinal problem and this is the first step before surgery.  Since I do not plan to have spine surgery ever, this is probably my only option.  I am also seeing my chiro, but he has looked at my xrays and mri and tells me that these are really my only options.  

[Carmie]

I haven't but my DH has as well as our youngest son and my sister have.

No one has had any problems and all agree it was helpful, but didn't give them relief long enough..just a few months. It is a quick painless procedure.

[Kachina624]

I had the steroid injections but the were in the lumbar, not cervical region.  I went to a pain management specialist and had injections every two week for a couple of months, while he tried to find "the sweet spot". .  I had no complications, just a slight soreness at the site the next day. 

Unfortunate, the injections were totally ineffective for me so I remain in pain.  Surgery is not an option. 

[SXMGirl]

@Carmie @Kachina624  Thanks for the info.  Surgery is not an option for me since the main area is C5 and it was explained that they would need to take a bone from that area as well as above and below.  Too chancy.  I do know that it is important that a nerve not be hit during the injection; but as I told DH, some ground rules will need to be established first.

Did either of you have pain meds before the injection?  

[Kachina624]

Yes, the area was deadened before the injection.  It was not painful.  My doctor used something like a fluoroscope so he could see where he was and what he was doing. 

[skatting44]

I would definitely  consult an ortho surgeon or neurosurgeon with  excellent credentials . I would not have the procedure unless it was being done under fluroscopy .

[Foxxee]

My father had injections in his lower lumbar region several times.  He said pain subsided only about 24 hours each time.  He thought they just didn't do the injection in the right spot, so he tried a few more times.  

Besides not working, he was concerned about the danger of the procedure...although, not common, one slip of the needle and he might be in a wheelchair.  

We researched possible surgery, but there were risks with that too.  Some people were actually worse afterwards. 

He finally found Tylenol, the only pain med he's permitted to take, and a heating pad works best for his pain.  He sits against a pretty hot heating pad all day.  His pain is relieved for a good 5-6 days not needing to use the heating pad. 

Not saying it will work for everyone, but it's worth a try.  

[Carmie]

@SXMGirl   I just asked my DH.  He said he was given an Injection first to numb the area. The steroid was given to him while the anesthesiologist watched on a camera to guide the needle.   He had no pain during or after the procedure.

He has had it done about 5 or 6 times in the past.

[SXMGirl]

@skatting44  My ortho sent me to his colleague who does this procedure.  While I did not really care for him because he did not really give me all of the info that I need for this, my chiro did explain everything after looking at my xrays and mri.  Then, I had nerve testing and that doctor also explained everything.  I have researched online and find that about 40 percent of those who have this as well as surgery need more medical treatments.

@Carmie  Do you know how long a period of time elapsed with the 5 or 6?  I really do not want this to become a regular thing. 

[Carmie]

@SXMGirl   I don't remember.  I do know our insurance company only allowed three injections a year.  I don't think he ever maxed that out.

He was getting about two a year, but hasn't had one for a while.  He is complaining about pain again but he hasn't gone to see his doctor. I suppose it doesn't hurt bad enough this time around.  His pain is in the neck and shoulder area.