Epidural Cervical Spine Injections - Page 2

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@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.

Tyak · ‎01-26-2013

@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.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@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.

lulu1 · ‎03-29-2011

@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.

this is my nic · ‎03-30-2010

@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.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@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?

Annabellethecat66 · ‎03-12-2010

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.

lulu1 · ‎03-29-2011

@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.

JeanLouiseFinch · ‎10-03-2011

@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!

Tyak · ‎01-26-2013

@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.