bulging disk, nerve injection

JasperKat

I've been suffering from two bulging disks (c3 & L5) & also degenerative disk disease in both places for the last 4 years.
The pain has been awful, I took lyrica & oxycontin for a long time but, due to the side effects I couldn't continue taking them & have now managed to cope without both of them for neaarly 6mths
I have dreadful cramps in my calf; thigh; left hand side of my foot; underneath the foot & toes - mainly at night - i am up 'dancing' around the room 8-10 times a night.
I also get numbness & tingling in the whole leg, esp. after sitting down....
I have been under a Consultant in Vincent's for the last 4yrs but have only ever been seen by the physio or Registrar in his team.
Last Jan the consultant's registrar said these were all typical symptoms of the disk pressing on the nerve, causing it to become inflammed. He recommended an injection into the nerve which would alleviate the symptoms but not necessarily the pain.
I'm due to have this injection next monday, so I'm wondering if anyone can share their experiences of having this done, please?
Thanks in advance.
JTK

Gremlinertia

I've been given various injections into nerves in my back, think it's been done six times, three of those were nerve blocks the other ones perhaps more like you describe and it's really pretty simple.. Usually it's a day surgery appointment and the effects can take a few days to really be felt if it works. They have 'missed' my nerve twice but that just means nothing happens and they try again another day.

LordSutch

Believe me, its a very individual thing as to whether a cortisone injection will alleviate your symptoms (or not), but on the balance of probability I would say go for it .....

Officially the procedure is called a 'nerve block injection' but in reality the cortisone reduces swelling in the area which should stop any pressure on the sciatic nerve - thus you should get some relief from your symptoms (God willing).

Nerve block injections are very hit & miss, sometimes they work, sometimes they don't, sometimes they fix the problem permanently, and yet sometimes they only work for a few months, so I would say from my extensive experience that you should give it a try if (oral pain relief) has failed.

Other options to consider are Accupuncture or Dry needling, both of which are serious less invasive options that can bring great comfort to some people (yet not work for others)!

"Whatever route you take, do try and keep away from the surgeons knife, as surgery has its own much more complicated 'hit & miss' results".

So to recap. Have your injection (now that its booked) and then take it from there. Don't expect the cortisone to work immediately as it usually takes a few weeks for the full effects to slowly work & kick-in.

Let us know how you get on & good luck.

JasperKat

Thanks to both of you for your very helpful replies, I appreciate the info you've given.
In the past I've had acupuncture & dry-needling, also physio; treatments by an osteophath & chiropracter. All seemed to help for a short period of time.
My appt. is this Mon in Vincent's, I believe the Consultant is going to do it himself, so I'm hoping it all goes ok & I can get some relief - even for a short space of time.
Thanks for your support.
JTK