I am being steered towards injections despite progressive symptoms…

Posted by HeatherReNee @steelme43, Dec 16, 2025

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping to hear from others who have navigated complex cervical spine issues and can share their experiences or insight.

I have multilevel degenerative cervical spine disease (C3–4 through C6–7) with canal narrowing, foraminal stenosis, and nerve root impingement. Over the past several weeks my symptoms have significantly worsened and are now constant — severe neck pain, deep shoulder blade pain, electric-type sensations, persistent numbness/tingling into my arm and fingers, weakness, and some balance issues. This feels very different than earlier flares and is affecting my ability to function day-to-day.

Despite this, the recommendations I’ve received so far have been focused on nerve ablation and injections. I completely understand the role these treatments can play, especially for pain management, but I’m struggling to understand how they address the underlying mechanical compression when symptoms are progressive and neurologic in nature.

After speaking with many people in spine support groups, I’ve noticed a recurring theme where injections or ablation were used as temporary measures until surgery was eventually needed — sometimes after significant delay. That makes me concerned about whether these approaches are simply “buying time” rather than truly addressing the root problem.

I want to be clear that I’m not anti-conservative care or assuming surgery is the only answer. I’m genuinely trying to understand:
• When do ablation or injections make sense in cases like this?
• At what point does mechanical compression outweigh symptom-management approaches?
• For those with similar multilevel cervical issues, did you find that these interventions helped meaningfully — or did you ultimately need surgical decompression?

I am now contemplating consultations at UF (Jacksonville and Gainesville) to get additional opinions, but I would really appreciate hearing from others who’ve walked this road.

Thank you for taking the time to read — any shared experiences or advice would mean a lot.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Spine Health Support Group.

marialyce | @marialyce | 5 days ago

In reply to @dreamspinner3 "@marialyce the FDA has never given approval for steroid injections into the spine, the information below..." + (show)

@dreamspinner3 I am aware of that. Thank you !!

HeatherReNee | @steelme43 | 5 days ago

In reply to @karenoharmon "Being conservative is the safest approach. I would encourage you to try all of those first...." + (show)

@karenoharmon
Thank you for sharing your experience—I really appreciate the perspective. I’ve actually tried many conservative approaches over the years as well, including PT, massage, chiropractic care (as well as seeing a cervical spine specific chiropractor) dry needling, and even laser therapy. Unfortunately, they haven’t provided lasting relief for me. The only things I haven’t tried yet are the injections and ablation, which is where I’m currently feeling stuck given the progression of my symptoms. I understand insurance often drives the path, but I’m trying to balance that with quality of life. I truly appreciate your insight and well wishes.

HeatherReNee | @steelme43 | 5 days ago

In reply to @laura1970 "@steelme43 your lumbar report doesn’t have ny abnormalities that would point to an urgent need for..." + (show)

@laura1970

Thank you so much for taking the time to review this and explain your concerns. I really appreciate your perspective. I agree that my lumbar imaging from 2022 doesn’t appear to explain the urgency of my current symptoms, which is part of what’s been so frustrating.

Given the progression of my neck symptoms, including the neurologic changes, I do understand why you’re more concerned about cervical involvement now (as am I). Additionally, I am actively pursuing further evaluation to rule out any urgent issues and to better understand the risks of permanent deficits. I have an appointment 1/2 at UF Gainesville, Fl.

I’ll be sure to keep the group updated as I learn more. Thank you again for your thoughtful input.

nycmusic | @nycmusic | 5 days ago

In reply to @laura1970 "@steelme43 your lumbar report doesn’t have ny abnormalities that would point to an urgent need for..." + (show)

@laura1970 agree…maybe need updated emg….spine related issues do demand our attention, before things get more complicated…wish you the best outcomes.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | 5 days ago

In reply to @steelme43 "@laura1970 Thank you so much for taking the time to review this and explain your concerns...." + (show)

@steelme43 is your appointment with a neurosurgeon?

HeatherReNee | @steelme43 | 5 days ago

In reply to @laura1970 "@steelme43 is your appointment with a neurosurgeon?" + (show)

@laura1970
Yes, Dr. Julie Chan. The neurosurgeon I saw first that said my case was beyond his scope was to refer me there to Dr. Daniel Hoh, that’s what the referral states however scheduling called me and when I asked why it was with Dr. Chan and not Dr. Hoh they said he reviewed my case and instead of me having to wait for his availability in February he advised them to schedule me with her. After researching I can’t seem to find where she has significant experience in similar cases to mine (like Dr. Hoh). They said to get there an hour early for new x-rays, I’m assuming to check current stability as my cervical x-rays are 2021-2023 timeframe.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | 5 days ago

In reply to @steelme43 "@laura1970 Yes, Dr. Julie Chan. The neurosurgeon I saw first that said my case was beyond..." + (show)

@steelme43 yeah, they always want xrays before appointments but the useful info comes from the MRI. Othopods are the same way.

It’s good that they see the urgency of your case though.

Dr Chen is fellowship trained in complex spine surgeries. That’s encouraging

Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | 5 days ago

In reply to @mikena "I have similar symptoms and have been diagnosed with cervical myelopathy. They have steered me to..." + (show)

@mikena Do you have a list of questions ready for your appointments? It's good that you are getting 2 opinions. The goal in a situation like this is to take pressure off the spinal cord and also to prevent further damage from compression. I would suspect that you may be having a lot of symptoms related to this. I had spinal cord compression in my neck at one level and when I woke up from my spine surgery, all of that presurgical pain was gone. I had of course the pain from the incision and surgical path, but that was not as bad as I had imagined it to be.

laura1970 | @laura1970 | 5 days ago

My advice from spine surgery twice is to request some Valium in the pre-op waiting room. I think this helped me so much. It reduced my anxiety. I had no anxiety until the night before surgery, then it started increasing. By the time I was changing into my gown it was significant. And the OR is a little scary. It’s cold (temperature wise), unfamiliar, and it seems you are either alone, or there are too many people prepping you. Sticking probes on, adjusting IVs and so on. With the Valium I was relaxed and able to keep my cool. Even joking with the personnel

Something to consider and discuss with your surgeon. They might already plan for it, as mine did.

judyhendricks1959 | @judyhendricks1959 | 4 days ago

Hello all,
Does anyone have experience with multilevel complex fusion with rods? From t10 - pelvis. I'm really trying to find first hand pt experience with this, as well as the recovery.
Thank you in advance 🙂