Anybody done the injections?

What type of injection? Nerve root injection? Epidural? As far as I am aware, they use a local anesthetic, not a general anesthesia. It sounds like to me you need to have a further discussion about the exact procedure the doctor is talking about.

His exact words were "injections" and "put you under". I don't know exactly what he meant. I've got some time till this would be done, so I need to get an exact definition. It just worries me...

@rodturner

I agree; you need more information. You will need to advocate and stay on top of your health decisions. Don't leave that to chance and if your doctors remember you and all the details because they see many patients.

Here are some discussions where you can learn more about Epidural injections in the Spine Health Group.

"Lumbar epidural steroid spine injection"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/lumbar-epidural-steroid-spine-injection/
"Epidural Injections"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/epidural-injections/
"Anyone had a caudal epidural injection? Did it help?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/caudal-epidurals/https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/caudal-epidurals/
"Any risks for pre-surgery epidural injection?"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/any-risks-for-pre-surgery-epidural-injection/

Thank you all!

Yeah, looking at the comments I think I will forgo the injections. I'm finding my flare-ups are strongly correlated to my computer workstation posture and when I use a soft cervical collar it really helps. I may just have bad head positions as I work on my computer. Thanks, guys, for your responses. They have helped me make a decision!

I’ve done the injections for years. Never was I put under but that is between you and your doctor. I should have had a fusion years ago , but was always “ too busy” teaching. I can’t have one now due to other health conditions so I continue with the shots. You can have them up to four times a year. They have been life altering for me. Good luck. And don’t worry! Irene 5

@rodturner
What levels do you have issues and where would they do the injections? Why 4 at once? I had one injection at a time at the level showing most compression (L4–L5) and they helped some for the first few years and then stopped working when the compression was significant. Never was put under anesthesia for the injections. I lied on the table, they prepared the injection site with numbing and then did the injection while I was wide awake.

After the injections stopped working, I had surgery L3-L5.

You say that you "should have had a fusion" years ago but were too busy teaching. Was the fusion on the advice of your pain doc. orthopedic surgeon? I had a fusion at L5-S1 about seven years ago. Since then I have learned(from others on this site and articles) that fusions will not likely help with pain(as was the case with me). It will only help to stabilize your spine. Was an MRI done? I highly recommend getting a second, even third opinion.

I was told for years I had to have it done and at some point I would have no choice. I had been told that by the surgeon and by pain management based on MRI’s, X-rays, and CT scans. I have been told ,”I don’t understand why you are able to walk!” I have a high tolerance to pain and the process has been ongoing for years so we have decided my spine and body modified and adjusted accordingly. I am in constant pain at this point but due to a serious lung disease and low weight I am unable to have the surgery. C’est la guerre. Irene5

@rodturner Have you tried physical therapy? PT is great for correcting postural issues and training on how to avoid issues. Ah wait, I see you have tried PT. My PT does Myofascial Release which helps a lot is relieving overly tight tissue that causes pain. I think most people can benefit from this therapy. It may be something to consider. There is a search at http://mfrtherapists.com/.

Here is our discussion where you can learn more.

Neuropathy - "Myofascial Release Therapy (MFR) for treating compression and pain"
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/