Spinal injections

[roxyc]

Hello all I wonder if anyone would like to share their experience of Root block injections or Lumber Spine Discectomy operation. I am due to have the injection 1st April & the operation within 6 weeks. I have all the hospital imformation but hearing from some one who has either would be good, thank you

[Ktchard]

Hi I don't know about root block but I had a cervical facet joint injections 2 of them they were a little uncomfortable but not too bad.

I hope they work for you 😊

[Ihavenolife]

Hi. I had both. The injections weren't too bad I think but didn't help me at all. I had a microdiscectomy nearly two years ago and it was the best thing I ever did. I had a prolapsed disc at L5/S1 and could barely walk. I was in agony 24/7 and could barely leave my house for 6 months. I had immediate relief after the surgery and the recovery was a breeze after the pain I had been in previously. 

If you have any questions just ask and I'll see if I can help. 

[fibroglow in reply to Ihavenolife]

Hi I have had Nerve Root Block but for me did not help very much.!! On waiting list for DisectomyL4/5 areas of Spine Disc Bging badly. In my Area there is over a Years Waiting Time for Operation. Quite hard as Back Continually Goes on me. And Partner due Serious Op next week worrying!  Really Hope injection helps also your Operation will bring Relief. Lv Jan. XX

[bethys]

Hi Roxyc,

I had a nerve block injection in January  the first week i was in so much pain i cried constantly, couldnt sleep. After that week it eased a bit but really didnt help at all. 

Then i had surgery  in February for a L5/S1 so its been around six weeks now. Still on pain killers but my pain has dropped  dramatically. The cut on my back you can hardly  see it & it healed really well, Still got a long way to go. Im going back to work  in June cant wait. 

So for myself it was worth the surgery.  

[Kevinb in reply to bethys]

Hi bethys

I have tha same L5/S1 problem, had root nerve block yesterday and hope it may ease the pain, but I know it's only temporary and would like to have the operation to sort it permanently. I have to go to work to support my family and sometimes can hardly stand, let alone walk but have to try to get through it. Sorry think I'm waffling, my question was how long did the operation take and how long was you in hospital? Also how long does recovery take? As as I said I need to go to work and can't afford to be off for too long.( Had 12 weeks off last year when my gallbladder packed up)

Many thanks for reading my waffle and hope you continue to get better

Kevin

[bethys in reply to Kevinb]

Hi kevinb

Hope its starting  to work . 

I was the same i couldn't stand, sleep, work it really knocks you about & i am supporting  my kids & its tough being of work for so long. So i really feel for u & your family.

I went to hospital  at 6.30am had the surgery  at 10.30am. The surgery  took around 1 hour & 30 minutes. I went home at 5.00pm. I was only in there for the day. But i had no complications thank god.

I seen my Doctor  every week since then as i still get some pain but a lot better. 

Its been around 6 to 7 weeks now seeing the specialist tomorrow for my check up.

But i stil have more recovery time so it all depends on the person  i suppose cause everyone is different. 

So hope this helps but im so glad i had it .

[coffee_luvvie]

I had diagnostic sacroiliac nerve blocks last October. I had complete relief until the anaesthetic wore off a few hours later. I then had denervation done last month, L5, S1,2&3. My buttock no longer has a constant ball of fire. I still have the odd electric shocks and altered sensation on my skin but compared to the previous pain, it's bliss. 3-18 months relief for up to 70% of patients is the success rate. 

J x

[makemepainfree]

I have had both and 100% better but still in a lot of pain handled with meds my sisterinlaw had op and has not looked back since worked so well on her I had sore backs most of my working life due too heavy lifting so think more damage had been done and will have too life with it but good luck to you hope all works out well for you we are all different

[nodmeister]

I have both sets of injections and have done for years, for me they are a mobility lifeline. They reduce my pain enough for me to be able to do things. I have painkillers and Naproxen too and as the jabs start wearing off, about 4/5 months I also use my TENS. I use a back brace for support too. You will find it bit worse after but you've had needles pushed in so internal bruising has to happen. I hope you're injections are the same and give you respite.

Nod

[roxyc]

Thank you all so for sharing your experiences with me. I suppose I'm lucky to be under the QMC Nottingham I saw the spinal team on the 24th & they gave me an appoiment for injection 1st April & they will operate within 6 weeks. I feel so much for those of you who have to cope with this pain for so long before getting treatment I'm getting depressed with now so can't image how I would feel if I had to wait many  months for treatment

[chriswinkle in reply to roxyc]

Hi Roxyc,

I had severe lower back pain, tried Chiropractic which only made it much worse, eventually (after a misdiagnosed MRI scan) was given a nerve block under x ray which has given me such relief from pain, I do not usually have to resort to painkillers but do have backache and cramp and tingling in my left leg - but these are bearable after the agony I was in three years ago.

So I do hope you will find the injection works for you and the operation even more so.

Very best wishes,

Chriswinkle  x

[roxyc]

Hi Chriswinkle, it's reasuring to hear the nerve block gave you some relief from your pain. The back cramps & tingling, to the point of feeling like electric shocks, seems to be the norm for for trapped spinal nerves. I hope one day soon you will get even more pain releive than you have now. Just to add to the mix I have a dropped foot now & have to walk pushing my wheelchair or used furniture ect to get around the bungalow.Not very elegent & I still manage to trip myself over lol x