Back Pain Support Group
Back pain is one of the most common reasons people seek medical care. In fact, about 3 in 4 adults will experience back pain during their lifetime! The term back pain includes pain affecting the neck, midback and low back. Acute back pain may begin suddenly with intense pain but typically lasts fewer than three months. Usually, chronic back pain is persistent, steady, and...
I was just diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease. I went to a specialist today and told me that facet injections can relieve the tension in the muscles surrounding my cervical spine.
If I do go through with this, I'll have 3 injections put into the facet joints in my neck. The entire process should take 1.5 hrs.
My question is: Should I do this? Are there any major risks in sticking needles in that area? How much does it hurt?
I was getting dizzy when he was telling me about all of this and wanted to run out of the office. Thankfully he wouldn't have been able to do the injections today, I need time to think about this.
I'm really nervous and scared, any input would be great!
If I do go through with this, I'll have 3 injections put into the facet joints in my neck. The entire process should take 1.5 hrs.
My question is: Should I do this? Are there any major risks in sticking needles in that area? How much does it hurt?
I was getting dizzy when he was telling me about all of this and wanted to run out of the office. Thankfully he wouldn't have been able to do the injections today, I need time to think about this.
I'm really nervous and scared, any input would be great!
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theatre and I are there already. I'm having a very berry tea with crackers, cheese and cherry tomatoes and she's having a joint with some beer and we're both on really comfy recliners on thick pile carpet. we need some help with the decor if anyone is around??
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I'm trying to exercise daily. I was doing fairly well until I sprained my ankle 2 weeks ago but now I'm getting back on the horse. Today I walked over a mile with my arm weights that are about 22lbs total. I was out of shape and it was hard on my arms. I also did my 30 situps. I'm also going to drink a lot of water and try to eat healthy. I do tend to have a sweet tooth but I'm cutting...
Here is the previous discussion that addresses your question: http://dailystrength.org/discussions/Back_Pain/messages/1240
Good point above: Your facet joints will be "numbed out" and will not report pain as they should. This is yet another reason why steroid injections aren't worth the the pain, risk and expense they impose on us.
Check the linked discussion: There are 58 replies by 47 people, of which less than 2% report a positive experience with epidural treatment. Lances post above brings the tally to 45/didn't help -- 3/helped.
Four things I've learned for sure:
-It's a temporary fix, nothing more.
-It's painful and risky for zero guarantee of relief
-If your unsure, don't do it.
-Most receive epidurals completely incognizant of their doctors interest.
As my GP said: If you knew the profit margin of a single epidural injection you may better know why they're such a fixture among doctors routine advice. I agree with her.
Is a needle in your neck worth temporary relief? No. Of course not. But people keep lining up.
Gosh it's like I'm at a dead end!
So far I'm hearing that it hasn't worked for too many people.
http://dailystrength.org/discussions/Back_Pain/messages/1240
what did you think about the replies in that discussion? Check it out and give us some feedback as to what you thought. Thanks.
Having read that, my epidural comments are now complete. I am now officially blown away by the number of people here who have received permanent damage due to this treatment. And more so blown away by the people who continue to receive it after learning this --all in hope of 2 days of temporary relief-- I'll never understand it. I suppose somewhere between our desperation and steady profits, people will just keep getting istuck and blaming the doctor later. Oh well, may God be with you my good people of bad-treatment land. I wish you well as you risk additional pain and permanent damage in the name of your Doctors Country Club dues. Be well needle lovers! au revoir! :P
(serious note to future readers: Avoid this treatment when possible, it's your decision not your doctors)
Have any of you tried acupuncture? I've done it once or twice a few years ago b/c I had a lot of knots in my back. If I do decide to do it, I'd have to pay $40 per visit, which I shouldn't complain about since some people don't have insurance. But how many times do you think I'd have to go for that? How much less risky is it compared to the injections?
My doctor mentioned acupuncture as an option as well.
My mom goes to an acupuncurist for her knee. She says it really helps her.
She wanted to pay for me to go, but I am soooo scared of needles, that I am hesitant to go. Is there any way to get over being this scared? I have no medical coverage and no money, so I am fighting the pain with Vicodin.
Can anyone give me some suggestions? I am open-minded.
Thank you in advance.
Karen
THE TRUTH OF THE MATTER IS, SOME DRS WILL CAUSE YOU A LOT OF PAIN AND THINK NOTHING OF IT, I JUST HAD TO HAVE FACIAL SURGERY IN MY HOSPITAL BED WITH ONLY A LOCAL. I CRIED GETTING THE LOCAL, IT WAS AGONY.
FROM NOW ON, I REQUIRE A DR TO SEDATE ME FOR ANY PROCEDURES. THEY ARE OUT THERE, YOU HAVE TO ASK!