I recently received an epidural steroid injection in my back after years and years of agonizing pain. To my surprise, the pain disappeared. Unfortunatley, however, the pain is starting to resurface. In an earlier appointment, the surgeon mentioned that it would be possible to 'deaden' the nerves in that area so that the pain would be gone permanently. Has anyone heard of this? Would it even be possible?
2007-05-09 02:47:56 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Thank's for all of the responses.
Jenv: I have only had one injection. As an update, last night I played a game of hockey and now the back pain is back ten fold. I am completely disheartened at this point. As a follow up question, I have to ask: With nerve problems, the prognosis is never going to be good. Add in the fact that I have let it go for so long, I am expecting the worse. So my question is....what now? I am only 25 and have severe back pain everyday. Should I just throw in the towel and deal with it? Should I just start taking pain medication? If there is anyone in this same scenario, please answer... Thank's again.
2007-05-10 03:32:02 · update #1
the doctors are doing different procedures that deaden the pain. Sometimes it's a medical implant of a machine that's very tiny or a medicine that is released to deaden the nerves. It is possible. There's a lot of new techniques being used for chronic pain. Talk to your doctor and ask all of your questions . I think you will be happy with the results.
2007-05-09 03:00:00 · answer #1 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Been there, done that! I had a herniated disc and was seeing a great pain management doctor, I also went thru many epidural steroid injections. They worked great at first but the time in between got shorter and shorter. I was on morphine and finally methadone for the pain. I had the nerve cut and that worked great for the pain that would run down my legs. I had the stimulator implanted as a trial and then found out my insurance wouldn't cover it so I didn't have it done. Finally I had the L4-L5 disc removed, a cage put around it and fusion. I am now almost pain free, If I over do it I hurt, but I went from being bedridden and walking with a cane and needing a wheelchair for long trips- to going back to school, becoming an EMT and I'm now doing firefighter training! Every ones different and all surgeries are different, but mine was a great success, If you would like to know the name of my doctors you can email me. I am from NY. I wish you alot of luck!!
2007-05-09 03:13:40 · answer #2 · answered by every1sfool 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
How many injections have you had? It is possible to have the injection repeated. There are procedures that "deaden" the nerves but nerves can regenerate. one type of procedure that "deadens" the nerves is called radiofrequency facet denervation or medial branch neurotomy. The patients that I have seen usually get anywhere from 3 to 6 months of pain relief, now that relief may not be a hundred percent but it is enough relief for them to go about normal activities. best advice I have is try another injection and know your body's limitations, still be active but don't over do.
2007-05-09 13:15:35 · answer #3 · answered by Jenv 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋