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Lumbar Steroid Injection vs Facet Nerve Block
Hi everyone - My pain doctor will be doing a nerve block to help relieve level-9 low back pain. I've had steroid injections in the past that were only partially successful. Can someone explain the difference between the 2 procedures and maybe go into detail about the nerve block? Many thanks!
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Hi, I am new to the process of Cervical Block procedures. I had my first Cervical facet injections in c5 c6 and c7 four weeks ago they used lidocaine. The pain relief was gone for about six hours it is only a test. It was very successful for me. The insurance company requires a repeat test which I will be having in three days.If that is also successful I will be having a Rizotomy. My experience with the first one was amazing. It not only relieved my neck pain but also shoulders,arms,wrists and fingers.
The injections were three on each side and the pain was mild and the procedure took about thirty minutes total. I am not nervous about the second procedure at all.This is the first time in my life that I am looking forward to having someone stick me with needles. Best wishes to you.
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4 ReactionsThank you for sharing your experience! I have confidence in the doctor who is preforming my injections so that helps, but it eases my anxiety to hear the procedure isn’t painful! I read about why my epidural was so painful and found out that if a nerve is touched by the needle it causes pain. I believe that must be what happened to me. It was excruciatingly painful!
I’m so happy to hear you had success with your diagnostic injections! Does your doctor recommend physical therapy to prevent further damage or to strengthen core, muscles, etc?
I am glad that I was able to ease your anxiety about the Cervical Branch Block.
Yes to the physical therapy. I have my first appointment for assessment for reconditioning water therapy on Thursday to see what I can do, that I am nervous about but I know that I do need help to get my strength back. I have damage from my cervical spine to my lumbar. I am in constant pain from my head to my toes. I just slept three and a half hours straight which is unusual.It took over two years to get a doctor that didn’t tell me that it was fibromyalgia and basically suck it up even though CTSCAN showed the damage in my spine.
I have tried over a dozen different topicals to help ease the pain and lidocaine patches and the most effective has been Two Old Goats Essential Oil Lotion that I have been using for at least fifteen years. I even tried CBD cream which was ninety dollars for four ounces that didn’t work at all.
I finally have hope. I know that it is going to be a long process. Keep in touch, I would love to hear about your journey so far I have felt alone in this battle with pain. I hope all the best for you.
Problem with post.
Hi @ronjames, Welcome back. I see that you joined in 2011. You mentioned you have a problem with a post. Can you share a little more information on what post is having a problem?
I am in th same situation you were in. The epidural shot worked at first and stopped working. Mi orthopedic dr. For my back advised to see a surgeon. I have spinal stenosis and he recommended fusion on L4 and L5 and also a laminectomy. Physical therapy has helped especially the stationary bike. I am frightened to have back surgery. You sound like yours was successful. Was your recovery long?
Hello,
I will be very honest with you, it was a very painful recovery, especially compared to the cervical surgery I had. I had 1 month of very bad pain which included spasms. Thank goodness I had a very comfy recliner chair that I slept in. In total, it took me 3 months to heal.
Don't let any of this frighten you. I think because I expected the surgery to be like the first one, I was surprised by the pain.
Would I do it again, without a shadow of a doubt! As it is, I probably waited too long. I have a lot of nerve damage in my legs that cannot be fixed. Wish I would have done it sooner.
My biggest advice I would give anyone having surgery, is to do everything you can so that it does not fail. What makes the surgery fail? Feeling so well that you go back to doing things you probably shouldn't.
Since my surgery, I baby my back. I do not pick up anything that is more than a gallon (and that weight took about a year), Bend at your knees, not your waist. Do not reach high (use a stool to get things too high to reach). I don't twist my body. I try not to make sudden moves.
I know it sounds like a lot, but it helps a lot. Most of all, find a GREAT PT facility. If possible, aquatic PT is the best because it puts the least amount of pressure on your back. Also, as you age, some pain returns (nothing like before) because arthritis tends to attack our old spine.
Best of luck with your decision.
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2 ReactionsThank you so much for some very good advice. You definitely sound like you know what you are talking about. I’m trying to hold off til after my grandaughter’s wedding in October. I have a problem with my shoulder also. Fell on ice in 2020. Tried physical therapy cortisone shots gel shots and nothing works. Torn rotator cuff but bad arthritis. I need a shoulder replacement. If I do therapy and ride my bike my pain is bearable. Thanks so much.
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1 ReactionWishing you the very best of luck! I don't think waiting until October will make much of a difference. You certainly want to be there for your granddaughter's wedding!!
Take care!
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1 ReactionAbout 10 years ago, I had a torn rotator cuff in my right shoulder. Tried injections a couple of times but didn't get much relief. Finally had the orthoscopic surgery by Dr. Moskwa of Princeton Orthopedic. Four small holes. Not too long of a healing period, some PT and was throwing a softball with out pain the next summer. No pain since the operation.