Lumbar Steroid Injection vs Facet Nerve Block

I’m scheduled for an upper back nerve conduction study, then a lower back nerve conduction study, then a ‘medical branch block’ over a 10 day period at the end of this month.
I had 3 epidural injections scheduled years ago with another doctor. The 1st injection went okay. When I returned for the 2nd injection I told the doctor I didn’t have pain relief from the 1st epidural. The doctor was obviously frustrated with me for saying that. When he proceeded with the 2nd epidural, he didn’t prep my back with a numbing agent, or what ever is used and it was so painful I screamed so loud that people waiting in the lobby told me they could hear me when I left the facility. It was so painful, I was devastated! I never went back for the 3rd epidural or to that doctor. I don’t know what the difference was between the 1st and 2nd injections, but I wouldn’t wish that pain on anyone! Based on the doctors behavior after I told him the 1st epidural didn’t provide relief, I felt he changed or simply didn’t provide the prep I received for the 1st epidural. Now I’m afraid of and have anxiety about the prospect of injections in my back.
What has your experience been with the facet and nerve block injections? Are the procedures themselves painful? I’ve been told the nerve conduction studies are similar to acupuncture. I’ve had acupuncture and tolerated it well. It’s the injections I’m wondering about!

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.

Thank 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?

Problem with post.

Hello,
Actually, I had spinal surgery about 3 years ago. I had an X-LIFT FUSION on L4/5.
Before then (and for several years before), I had all types of injections and blocks and nothing worked at all!!.
About3 years before my surgery, I moved to Florida and found a great pain specialist. His shots actually worked and lasted about 6 weeks. I know that doesn't sound great, but it was better than previous shots. When the shots stopped working, that is when I opted for surgery.
I honestly find that the effectiveness of the shots depends on the doctor given it and the amount and location of the shots.
I no longer need any lumbar injections.
Good luck!

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.

Thank 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.

Thank 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.