I wish I had something to contribrute on this subject...all I've got is a hug. I'm glad you have enough time to research and hear what everyone on DS has to say.

Cherry
xoxoxo

A epidural Pain Block seems to be the treatment they seem to push on everyone. It DOES work on some people, but It doesn't work on just as many. I have had this procedure done 4 times It was unsuccessful on me all 4 times. If it does work it can last from weeks to months. It is rather odd that it would be the only procedure he could recommend, is it the only he could do because of the insurance co.?Did the Dr do X-Ray, CAT scan, or preferably a MRI , What are conditions/problems? To give a treatment option he must know the problems?

I have had both xrays and CT scan of my lower back. I have 2 herniated discs(L4-L5/S1), sciatica, ddd, facet joint degeneration of the lower two levels and SI joint 'issues' (just found this out at the last visit to pm). I have been told by an orthopedic surgeon and spine specialist that nothing can be surgically fixed as it is all degenerative. I am seeing pain management and am on an exercise routine, trigger point therapy, pain medication, a diet and just recently recommended Hatha yoga as well. I am doing better but still not well enough to go back to work as I cannot sit or stand for too long... I work in IT so at a desk all day and I've exhausted my work-from-home time.

The spine specialist assured me I am doing everything right and to just continue doing what I'm doing. His only suggestion was the nerve block. His recommendation is not insurance related as I am in Canada so medicare covers any surgery or other in-hospital treatments. The only other treatment my pm doc mentioned was some type of procedure where the nerves are cut but he did not recommend it, only mentioned it as he was covering all possible treatments he could do or refer me for.

Sounds like last choice is nerve ablation. The nerves do grow back.
I have had the block or something like that. It reduced inflamation and
a nerve impingement at S1 was released. Personally I think it is all about
how good the anesthesiologist is and when done under fluroscope if they
get right spot it can be helpful.
Good Luck

Don't those wear off???

That's what I'm worried about Sunnybunn. From my understanding, and what I've learned from researching it, they last, at best, for about 4 months but could wear off after only 2 weeks or not work at all. The recommendation I have seen most is no more than 3 nerve blocks a year so what happens if I go back to work and it wears off after 1 month... it doesn't sound like a viable option to aid in my return to work; its not dependable enough. And then there are those who are in worse pain after. I sure don't want to be one of those.

Also I don't even know if this procedure can be done where I live. If not I would have to drive 4 hrs to where the spine specialist is. That's a bit much 3 times a year, its expensive and hard on my back.

Is that the same as ESI ? I got those and did not work but everyone is different and sometimes you got to exhaust all options

Ahhhh, now this I can comment on. Had a nerve block done on my cervical after car accident in 91' (by an awesome Dr.) Due to backending I had/have several injured discs in neck n (other areas of back) also severe whiplash. After having to go to E.R. n getting 2 shots of Demoral, I was sent to a Dr. in Las Vegas where he did a nerve block on me. It took affect within 24 hrs. and lasted several yrs. meaning up until 2005' approx. Now that's a very long time I know. It has come back past 6 yrs. or so and need another one but Drs. here say "no, its to dangerous due to extent of injuries." I was considering surgery but nothing definite only know "something" is going to have to be done. Had epiderals in thorastic n lumbar also but found them to be very little help. Its going to depend on your Dr.(how good he/she is) and extent of injuries. Best of luck with this and please keep us posted.
hugs, Vicky xxxxxxxxxxx

I have had several, the first one was the best. The last one seemed to make the pain worse. For me they only helped for 2 weeks at best.
Best of luck
Gramps

I have had epidurals and RFA, burning the nerves in half. The epidurals never worked for me but the RFA did. It lasted about 6 months for me and I just had it re-done a few days ago. I don't know yet if it is going to work this time, I'm still sore from the procedure. I hope you can find something that helps you, best of luck!
schlene

I had one and it was extreamly painful and it did nothing to help my pain or my numbness I will never do it again.

I had a steriod inj, a dorsal ramus (no good) but he decided to do an rfa anyway and it worked! temporary though. Looking to get a drug pump now. Can't take not enough meds, constipation..treated like a druggie, offered antagonists...declined as it would mess up my drug test for the pump. I can't believe it's come to this. I hope you get help here and support. We all need it so desperately.
Take care.
Anne

I started this yesterday & did not have time to finish.
I agree with what the others have said. There are factors involved, such as the doctor who does the injections.

I had some before & after my fusion. Not much success before, not enough to get excited over. Now I have the ESIs & Nerve blocks & my PM injects bi-lateral. Big difference, for the first time I almost felt normal.
They also use these injections as a diagnostic tool, I think more then we realize.
For instance my PM will not move forward with burning the nerves unless the injections are successful. Thus far they are worried about the location of my injuries for burning.

Since I could not get enough relief before my surgery he decided it was time to see a surgeon. He wanted to exhaust all methods & this is what the surgeon wanted also.
Some swear by them others don't.
I learned to stay on ice after & rest for a couple days also.

For now its the only thing that helps me so I will get them until we find something that we can move onto. I'm saving my last set for this year for the holidays & I can't wait.
Sammy