Nerve Block Injections?

[drivencrazy]

Anyone here have nerve block injections in their back to help with pain?

4 weeks ago I kicked the stair while running up it, after several doctor appointments, x-rays, MRI and more doctors appointments they have decided that I have nerve damage in my foot. The only way to "fix" it is to block the nerve. Once the nerve is blocked, they (nerves) will settle down and go back to being "normal" and my foot, after some PT will work right again!

Has anyone had these shots in their back? I am looking forward to it so the pain will be gone, but at the same time WOW! Crazy... I have to meet with the pain doctor on the 29th and then the shots will follow soon after, I hope anyhow............ what a mess!

I'm not sure how many times I will have to get the shots put in, the other doctor I talked to said it could be as few as 2 and as many as it takes. Any one ever had something like this done?

Thanks

 

[bumbershoot]

No I haven't.

But have you looked into other things you could do before going to drastic measures? Things like chiropractic and acupuncture have been used for ages for pain and nerve problems. It's worth a try before you go further into western medicine. My fave gentle chiro is Network Spinal Analysis (you can google for chiros who use it) though I'm seeing an Atlas Orthogonal person right now. And acupuncture is just most excellent for so many things; in our household we only choose people trained in China, with an emphasis on people BORN in Asia as well. We just trust them a smidge more, but you don't have to let that lead you, too. (it's mainly my Korean hubby's "thing", and the fact that our last Caucasian acupuncturist really bugged us!)

My mom had some drastic stuff done, thinking it was her only option, and then later found that both chiro and acupuncture would have been perfect for her. But it was too late, the deed was done, and all she could do was regret it. Best to check it out first, so you don't have to regret things. The MDs will always be there with their injections...

 

[aprilgail2]

I have 2 friends that go for the shots and they swear by them- they both said it helped them greatly!

 

[fkj2]

Anyone here have nerve block injections in their back to help with pain?

Has anyone had these shots in their back? I am looking forward to it so the pain will be gone, but at the same time WOW! Crazy... I have to meet with the pain doctor on the 29th and then the shots will follow soon after, I hope anyhow............ what a mess!

Thanks

I think you're envisioning a worst-case scenario.

You may be scheduled for an epidural, in which case the pain management specialist will insert a needle between your vertebrae (after injecting a local into to numb the skin region) and inject the medication--which anesthetizes the nerve roots--into the epidural space, much like women in labor receive prior to delivery. Just concentrate on positioning yourself so that you open your back instead of scrunching those spaces closed. Listen to the pain specialist and follow his/her directions.

The local anesthetizing agents allow the inflammed nerves and muscles to relax, decreasing pain. I'd encourage you to not become too agitated over this until your evaluation with pain management.

The physical therapy results may surprise you. I recently had to undergo PT for my back and I've been pleasantly surprised at the results. The key word in all of this: management.

Good luck.

 

[Barb D]

I've had nerve blocks, epidurals, and radiofrequency rhizotomy (where they actually "burn" the nerve.) I've also had PT, chiropractic, and acupuncture. None of them provided more than a couple of days of relief. Now I have a nerve stimulator implant, and even that is not giving 100% relief although at least I have part of my life back.

Good luck with yours! My mom does get more relief than I did.

 

[LUVMYTINK]

Have they told you what type of nerve damage you have?

I have CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) which used to be called - RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome). In plan English, nerve damage in my leg.
I had the nerve blocks about 15 yrs ago and they did provide relief for a small time. Of course they didn't combine it with PT like you are gonna do, but that's another painful story ( Army drs. treating me in boot camp).

I have read up on my type of nerve damage and there really isn't a cure all just stuff that can relieve the pain, which the nerve blocks combined with PT are listed as one.

I hope this treatment will provide the relief you need and it all turns out for the best

 

[C.Ann]

I've had nerve blocks, epidurals, and radiofrequency rhizotomy (where they actually "burn" the nerve.) I've also had PT, chiropractic, and acupuncture. None of them provided more than a couple of days of relief. Now I have a nerve stimulator implant, and even that is not giving 100% relief although at least I have part of my life back.

Good luck with yours! My mom does get more relief than I did.

-------------------------------

DD has had all of the same - as a result of injuries from a car accident.. One of the last things they did was the burning of the nerves - and it has created an entirely new problem.. She's been confined to a wheelchair for a few months now - can use elbow crutches (per the doctor) only in the house - for short distances (their bedroom to the bathroom)..

The only place she no longer has severe pain is in her tailbone - where they only performed nerve blocks..

Still waiting to hear what the next suggestion for treatment is..

Meanwhile I would like to get my hands on that miserable, irresponsible witch that was talking on a cell phone when she plowed into my DD's car 2 and a half years ago.. She's just fine - meanwhile DD's life has come to a screeching halt.. Can't drive; has to be on pain meds all the time (which caused liver problems); can't run or play with her 10 yr. old DD; can no longer work - well - you get the picture..

 

[SHAYMARAYSMOM]

No I haven't.

But have you looked into other things you could do before going to drastic measures? Things like chiropractic and acupuncture have been used for ages for pain and nerve problems. It's worth a try before you go further into western medicine. My fave gentle chiro is Network Spinal Analysis (you can google for chiros who use it) though I'm seeing an Atlas Orthogonal person right now. And acupuncture is just most excellent for so many things; in our household we only choose people trained in China, with an emphasis on people BORN in Asia as well. We just trust them a smidge more, but you don't have to let that lead you, too. (it's mainly my Korean hubby's "thing", and the fact that our last Caucasian acupuncturist really bugged us!)

My mom had some drastic stuff done, thinking it was her only option, and then later found that both chiro and acupuncture would have been perfect for her. But it was too late, the deed was done, and all she could do was regret it. Best to check it out first, so you don't have to regret things. The MDs will always be there with their injections...

I would be careful with going to chiropractic also. I work with a couple of people who used them for things and they made them worse. So just like a dr you need to look into everyone.
To the op good luck with what ever you choose. I hope it works out well for you

 

[nealymouse]

I had it done in July after exhausting every other thing possible to help with nerve damage to my back.

It was one of the most painful things I have ever been threw but would do it again in a heart beat to be rid of the pain if it comes back. I still have pain but its NOTHING to what I had.

 

[drivencrazy]

I have looked into all kinds of treatments and talked with several different doctors and picked their brains as well on how to get this fixed. It all comes down to doing the nerve block, it's a new enough injury that the nerves should be able to be calmed down and return to normal. There was another option of taking some kind of pill for 4-6 months and seeing if that helped at all, but if not, that's 4-6 months more of pain and then 4-6 months of the nerves not being treated and wanting to stay spazed out...

I think you're envisioning a worst-case scenario.

You may be scheduled for an epidural, in which case the pain management specialist will insert a needle between your vertebrae (after injecting a local into to numb the skin region) and inject the medication--which anesthetizes the nerve roots--into the epidural space, much like women in labor receive prior to delivery. Just concentrate on positioning yourself so that you open your back instead of scrunching those spaces closed. Listen to the pain specialist and follow his/her directions.

The local anesthetizing agents allow the inflammed nerves and muscles to relax, decreasing pain. I'd encourage you to not become too agitated over this until your evaluation with pain management.

The physical therapy results may surprise you. I recently had to undergo PT for my back and I've been pleasantly surprised at the results. The key word in all of this: management.
Good luck.

This sounds like what is going to be happening. I have already meet with one pain management doctor that was going to do the shots but we found out that he's not in our "net work" and they wouldn't be covered through him... which is alright since it gave me a chance to meet with 3 other doctors to see if this was the right choice. They all - on their own came to the same solution, the nerve blocker. When I would meet with a new doctor, I would give my x-rays and MRI pictures and have them tell me what they thought was going on, before I would tell them what the other doctors had said.

I've had nerve blocks, epidurals, and radiofrequency rhizotomy (where they actually "burn" the nerve.) I've also had PT, chiropractic, and acupuncture. None of them provided more than a couple of days of relief. Now I have a nerve stimulator implant, and even that is not giving 100% relief although at least I have part of my life back.

Good luck with yours! My mom does get more relief than I did.

All the doctors that I have meet with think that my foot should respond well to the nerve block, since it is a "fresh" injury. But the pain guy that I meet with first did say that if it's not taken care of right away that more has to be done... the implant's in the nerves and such.

Have they told you what type of nerve damage you have?

I have CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) which used to be called - RSDS (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome). In plan English, nerve damage in my leg.
I had the nerve blocks about 15 yrs ago and they did provide relief for a small time. Of course they didn't combine it with PT like you are gonna do, but that's another painful story ( Army drs. treating me in boot camp).

I have read up on my type of nerve damage and there really isn't a cure all just stuff that can relieve the pain, which the nerve blocks combined with PT are listed as one.

I hope this treatment will provide the relief you need and it all turns out for the best

This is what I have (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) but it's in my foot. The hope is that they will do the block on the nerves and when it's "feeling better" I will be able to do the PT to train the nerves and my foot how to work again!

-------------------------------

DD has had all of the same - as a result of injuries from a car accident.. One of the last things they did was the burning of the nerves - and it has created an entirely new problem.. She's been confined to a wheelchair for a few months now - can use elbow crutches (per the doctor) only in the house - for short distances (their bedroom to the bathroom)..

The only place she no longer has severe pain is in her tailbone - where they only performed nerve blocks..

Still waiting to hear what the next suggestion for treatment is..

Meanwhile I would like to get my hands on that miserable, irresponsible witch that was talking on a cell phone when she plowed into my DD's car 2 and a half years ago.. She's just fine - meanwhile DD's life has come to a screeching halt.. Can't drive; has to be on pain meds all the time (which caused liver problems); can't run or play with her 10 yr. old DD; can no longer work - well - you get the picture..

Sorry to hear about all of that, how old is your DD? Keep us updated on what treatment they do suggest next. I will keep her in paryer.



I am so thankful for all of you that responded. I have talked to a couple of people that I know that have had some nerve block... seems like it works really well or not at all for people. I am hoping that it works well and I can get back to my own two feet and not have to cruch around much longer. It's been 4 weeks now, I should have gotten a knee scooter just didn't realize it would be so much for so long!


Thanks again! I'll try and post up when I figure when whatever is going to happen, happens!

 

[C.Ann]

Sorry to hear about all of that, how old is your DD? Keep us updated on what treatment they do suggest next. I will keep her in paryer.

-------------------------

She just turned 36.. Whatever they decide to go with, I don't think there will be any "quick fixes" for her.. Thanks for asking - and prayers are appreciated..

Hope all goes well for you! Given your choices, I think I would make the same choice you have.. Taking pills every day for 4 to 6 months is not something I would want to do - especially if there was no guarantee that it would work..

Good luck - and keep us posted..

 

[LUVMYTINK]

I have looked into all kinds of treatments and talked with several different doctors and picked their brains as well on how to get this fixed. It all comes down to doing the nerve block, it's a new enough injury that the nerves should be able to be calmed down and return to normal. There was another option of taking some kind of pill for 4-6 months and seeing if that helped at all, but if not, that's 4-6 months more of pain and then 4-6 months of the nerves not being treated and wanting to stay spazed out...

All the doctors that I have meet with think that my foot should respond well to the nerve block, since it is a "fresh" injury. But the pain guy that I meet with first did say that if it's not taken care of right away that more has to be done... the implant's in the nerves and such.

This is what I have (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome) but it's in my foot. The hope is that they will do the block on the nerves and when it's "feeling better" I will be able to do the PT to train the nerves and my foot how to work again!

Hopefully it will all work out for you.
You are lucky that they caught it this early. They didn't figure out for me until I had it for over 6months (Again another long painful story with Army drs.). When I got out and talked to another dr. he told me that if they caught it earlier they would have been able to treat it more, like they are for you.

Good Luck

 

[drivencrazy]

Hopefully it will all work out for you.
You are lucky that they caught it this early. They didn't figure out for me until I had it for over 6months (Again another long painful story with Army drs.). When I got out and talked to another dr. he told me that if they caught it earlier they would have been able to treat it more, like they are for you.

Good Luck

I know what you mean about military doctors. After my visit with the ER, I went to the military doctor and he didn't even look at my foot. He pretty much said that what ever the ER said is fine..........

Now we aren't dealing with military doctors, but military ins. and having to go where they tell us to go... Which means that the doctor that I go see on the 29th is 45 minutes away (with good trafic...) but hopefully it's going to all get taken care of!

I am so ready for this pain to be gone! My foot has been really swollen and crazy looking the last few days, sill not able to put weight on it.

 

[need_a_Disney_fix]

My DH has had these injections several times for chronic back pain and it has been successful thus far.

 

[drivencrazy]

Went to the doctor yesterday, it took me almost an hour to get there!

He took a look at my foot and told me that I need to get the "Lumbar Sympathetic Block" as soon as possible. They could have done it on the 6th, but my hubby will be out of town (short TDY) and I need someone to drive me home... so we will have to wait till the 12th. So on the 12th I will go in for my first block and we will see how that goes, he said that I will probably need at least 2, but may have to have them every week, just depends on how my body responds. Worst case, they will end up putting a thing in my back (think pace maker, but for your nerves) is what he said.

On the 6th I will go in for a bone scan, not sure what they get from that, but I go in and they inject something into my arm, I go do whatever for a couple of hours and then back to have the scan done. Should be interesting. Hopefully it helps him know what is going on........

I also have to get my Physical Therapy set up. He also wants me to meet with a Psychologist, he said he sends everyone to one to learn how to relax and heal better!?!? Alright, as long as ins. pays for it

He also started me on new meds. Lyrica... really messed with me. I took it lastnight before bed and all was fine till I went to get up today and my right eye was fuzzy and the room was spinning! It's finally a bit better now, it only took till 1 pm! And I have to work up to taking 3 a day!! Don't know if that is going to happen or not, but I'll try!

He also had me get LIDODERM 5% Patch. These are patches that you stick to where it hurts and they stay on for up to 12 hours. Thank goodness for ins. these would have been over $700 for the 3 boxes I got, I only had to pay $9 for them. Kind of sad since I put 2 on my foot lastnight and they didn't seem to help much at all my foot still hurt like normal?!

So there is the update. I'm glad that I finally have a date to look at for getting this all done!

 

[drivencrazy]

Yesterday I went for the first Nerve Block... it wasn't to bad. But I was really hoping for a fix and I am deffently not fixed........... I was hoping that I would be able to walk on my foot again, but not yet. I start PT next week and go in for another block on Friday.......... I have lost so much musle on my leg it's kind of sick.............. I just want to be better!

 

[jax677]

I get these often for my back and I usually need the series to get relief. My doc has me schedule 3 procedures 2 weeks apart. I hope you get more help with the next one and pt. I have also gotten some great results with pt. Unfortunately nothing seems to help me long term. But I am grateful for all the shortterm results I can get.

 

[Tigger&Belle]

I had a rhizotomy a couple months ago and it's helped with my back pain a lot. If I'm on my feet too much I still have some pain, but nothing near what I was having before the procedure. The actual rhizotomy wasn't bad at all, even though I was a little freaked about it. I'm having a lot of neck pain now, and need to go back to the pain dr and see if something similar can be done on my neck.

 

[drivencrazy]

I really wish, and I was really hoping that this was going to be the fix... and so when my foot felt better for about 6 hours, I thought all was going to be good... it was finally warm.......... but now it's like nothing was done. I know that the doctor said that it might take 2 to feel any better, but I was really hoping! I do have an appt next Friday for the second one, so hopefully that will help it feel somewhat better and for longer.

Silly me, I took the 2 oldest girls in to the doctor for their yearly check ups and while there the doctor tells us that we (the 4 of us, the youngest daughter was with us as well) should get the flu mist, so we all get it and I call my hubby on the way home and he freaks out...............

According to my paper work, I SHOULD NOT GET THE FLU SHOT OR MIST 7 DAYS BEFORE OR AFTER THE NERVE BLOCK. It's all in HUGE print, but somehow I forgot and got it............................. Well, can't do anything about it now!

It's just been one of them days

 

[AndyLL]

If this is a RSD type of injury it is important that you do the series of blocks in as short as time period as possible.

My wife had 4 to initially put her arm RSD in remission. (there was a gap between the 1st & 2nd)

Also if it works try to have them give you periodic blocks to help prevent it from coming back.