Has anyone had any experience with nerve block injections in the spine?

SPC Diana D. — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 19:09:28 -0500

I have been dealing with peripheral neuropathy for years and I am at the stage where they are going to try nerve block injections to see if it helps with the neuropathy. I was wondering if anyone had any experience with them and if they worked or not.

Response by LTC David Brown made Nov 5 at 2017 8:05 PM

LTC David Brown — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 20:05:35 -0500

What type of injections? Normally nerve blocks are done as the nerve root exits the spine. There are nerve plexus that can be blocked. I was not really involved with this aspect of blocks.

Response by PO3 Donald Murphy made Nov 5 at 2017 8:53 PM

PO3 Donald Murphy — Sun, 05 Nov 2017 20:53:30 -0500

I have Multiple Sclerosis and they keep trying to do that to me. My doctors always shoot them down. Have you had any MRI's? You may have MS or a problem that can be solved without spine intrusions.

Response by SPC Brett Curry made Nov 6 at 2017 7:15 AM

SPC Brett Curry — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 07:15:17 -0500

I have, as a matter of fact I have my next set of nerve burns being done Nov 14th. It sounds like they are going to try the steroidal nerve blocks. They only lasted for about a week or two for me. Now they are doing the RFA never blocks where they actually go in and burns/sever the nerve. They do grow back, so you have to keep getting it done until they no longer grow back. But it was the best decision I've ever made. But they're going to want to try everything else first. The burns are their last tool in the tool box. And it's a great one. I've been trying every single thing possible, from the steroid epaderals, every non narcotic medication., For yrs, you name it, I've tried it. And nothing gave me relief like the burns did.

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made Nov 6 at 2017 7:13 PM

SGM Erik Marquez — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 19:13:43 -0500

Yes, once every 6-15 month I do a spinal injection. Its a mix of stuff, anesthetics and steroids.
I get 50-75% relief dependent on the doc s choice of nerve and aim . Relief lasts 3-9 months ...and my wiliness to comeback and lay on the table while approached by a man with a sharp needle to stick in my spine

Response by LtCol Robert Quinter made Nov 6 at 2017 9:06 PM

LtCol Robert Quinter — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 21:06:44 -0500

Had them for years with mixed results. Although they give you the obligatory warnings of potential complications, I never had adverse results. They don't hurt that much, so it's worth a try.

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 22 at 2019 7:43 AM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 07:43:21 -0400

I worked with surgeons some and learned from them, and later got arthritis, disk compression of the spine in my neck. I had been on loads of ibuprofen and meds to help me sleep sometimes, then got injections to inactivate some little nerve endings which has helped a lot for almost three years. Now I need a ibuprofen a day. However different conditions in different parts of the spine make things much more complicated. I also still have to exercise my neck often, and sometimes apply warm compresses or a bath. So I think it is probably worth a try.
I presume you are talking about VA doctors? They would not likely suggest anything controversial. If the thought of the injections triggers a lot of anxiety, tell doctor ahead of time, and they will likely treat you real well, being patient to let you know what's going on and not hurry you. Ask if surgeon has done a lot like yours.

Response by SrA Angelina Rosa made Apr 22 at 2019 8:57 AM

SrA Angelina Rosa — Mon, 22 Apr 2019 08:57:48 -0400

I have had the injections. Worked good but eventually had to have surgery and screws put in. Doing pretty good with them.