I had a nerve block and it didnt help me at all. But everyone is different and I know alot of people that said it has worked for them. The way they did my nerve block was like an epidural. They put the needle in my back, next to my spine and ran a tube from lower back up to my shoulder and it stayed in me for 2 weeks. Meds were going in my the whole time thru this. For me, getting the procedure done wasnt bad and Im scared of needles also. But just because it didnt work for me, doesnt mean that it wont work for you. I have very severe nerve damage. I dont know if this helped or not, but if your in alot of pain, I would at least try it. It just might help you out. I hope it does if you decide to do it. Keep me posted. Good luck

hi,
I would try the nerve block, it might work and that way you dont have to take the meds, i hear good and bad, all depends on the person, I for one hate needles too, I had a spinal injection and it wasnt to bad, some doctors will but in a little numbing med so it isnt to bad. But thats a needle too, i just try and not look i think of something else and before you know it, it is all done

My Mum has had two nerve blocks done in her spine (at 83) and she was fine and they worked for her. She hates needles and was terrified but she said it wasnt that bad.
Hope that reassures you, good luck.

It is right that nerve blocks are different for different people. I had 3 done, the first two helped for 6 months each time, but the 3rd one made the pain much worse... and it took 3 months for it to settle down. Some people have an excellent result... some people find it has no effect at all... and then it can make things worse. Best advice is to really talk it through with your doc before deciding to go ahead.

I had one years ago -never again, it was pointless, it didn't help... The doctor back then just shook his head. We now know it was "autonomic problems".

I've had several nerve blocks. Last year I had one every 3 weeks for 6 months. For a day or two after the procedure I was in HORRIBLE pain (I mean horrible) - then I would feel some relief for about a week. Personally, pain of the procedure and pain for a couple days following the procedure was too much to take for something that only provided relief for a week.

I've had two nerve blocks, neither of which worked. Nerve blocks are given directly into the affected nerve and if the shot is off by even a fraction, you won't feel relief. That's why I chose to go with epidurals. They give me the most pain relief for the longest period of time(up to eighteen months at a time.)

megan,

i have had them, and they have helped! you can ask for a local anisthetic
if you are worried about the needle, and that way you won't feel a thing!
obviously the decision has to be yours, though, and the blocks work differently on different people. some have success the first time out, others not until their second or third block, and some never. good luck deciding, and feel better either way!

misa

I have had several and it just didnt work for me.But i hope it can help you.
Hugs,
Tonia

I had my first nerve block (caudal epidural injection) in June. It was totally painless and over before I knew it. They gave me a very mild sedation through IV... I had no trouble with that at all either. I had NO PAIN for the first time in 10 years afterwards... but it only lasted for 2 hours. :( My second block will be mid-August. I would say go for it... and I hope it works for you. ~Debbie

I have had 3 facet nerve blocks done. the 1st was in 1997 and it lasted 8 years. I have just recently had 2 more and am having a 3rd next month. So far I have had good results from mine. I have severe DDD, stenosis and arthritis in my spine and hips, fibromyalgia, Hep C and Chronic myofascial pain. They have helped the pain from nerve damage in my spine and hips. I am not totally pain free this time but in 97 I was for 8 years after that one. I have had a reasonable reduction in the pain this time but still have to take some pain meds.