Cervical spin injections

[Catrin]

My injections have been scheduled for next Tuesday morning. I can opt for conscious sedation (if I can find a ride both ways). Has anyone had these with just a local? How bad was it? Just trying to decide how hard I need to look for those rides...

Sadly I've got to stop taking the prescription anti-inflammatory 3 days prior, so I am afraid my neck is likely going to be swollen before we ever do anything... I just missed one day earlier this week and the effect was pretty apparent even to other people.

[Biciclista]

wish you lived closer. i drive to the hospital every day. i could take you.

[Catrin]

Thank you for your concern, and for the offer of a ride :) My original post may have been misleading. I was trying to decide if I really needed the sedation, and wondered how bad it would be to get just the local...but of course we are talking about the spine in my neck here and it WILL be quite aggravated with me after 3 days of no anti-inflammatory medication.

I've already found a ride there from someone who lives very close to me (thanks Winding Road), and will spread my net to all of my cycling and church friends, surely someone will be free to pick me up. I think it will be far less stressful under sedation and make me more likely to return for more should it be necessary.

[indysteel]

One of my coworkers gets regular shots to deal with chronic lumbar back pain. She's gotten them with both sedation and a local and been fine either way. And by fine, I mean that there is some discomfort later after sedation/the local wears off.

[Pax]

I've had lumbar injections done with a local, it wasn't too bad... but lower back is a long way from the head.

[indysteel]

I've just asked my boss what his wife does. She gets shots in C5 and C6 on a regular basis. I know she takes a Valium ahead of time, but that's for her high level of anticipatory anxiety. I'll let you know what he says.

[emily_in_nc]

I would definitely opt for the conscious sedation if you think you'll be anxious. I have used it for dental procedures (crowns, root canals), and it is the bomb! I basically slept right through the procedures -- or that is how it seemed b/c I remember nothing.

You have to have someone there who will drive you home or they will not perform it, though. I'm not sure if just saying you have a ride who will come pick you up is good enough; I think they want to see and talk to the person ahead of time to make sure they understand their "duties", so it may have to be the same person who takes you to and from.

Good luck!

[indysteel]

Okay; this is what my boss has to say. His wife gets a local. She has some serious issues with needles; hence, the Valium. Otherwise, he thinks she would be fine with just the local. The doc also told her that lumbar injections often require more, not less, sedation.

[Catrin]

Thanks for checking Indy, and everyone.

Part of my dread is coming from knowing I won't have any anti-inflammatory medication for 3 days prior, and I still get swelling WITH it. If my neck looks like a balloon by then I will certainly want sedation. Thankfully I don't really have to make up my mind until Tuesday morning, though I am leaning in that direction. I've already asked them if I can have different people pick me up and they are fine with that; they just don't want me driving that day.

So the big lesson learned here here is to always get whiplash checked sooner rather than later. I had thought since it took two days for the swelling to start that meant that it wasn't significant and it was just muscular damage. I doubt the delay made things worse, the damage had already been done.

I really appreciate this supportive community we have here, far more than I can put into words.

[Pax]

Catrin - are you icing? That should help with some of the inflammation.

[Catrin]

I've been icing some and using heat as well as my doctor has directed. I can't, however, do that at work...and it is also difficult to know just where to apply it all :(

New goal for next year: finish the season without injury for a change...but this one really doesn't compare with last year. This was just a freaky accident, it least it isn't from over-use and stubbornness this time, for which I am thankful.

[smittykitty]

Catrin:

I'm out of the loop! What did you do to your neck? I think I may remember you doing the crash and burn thing with the mountain bike. Was that it? Sorry to hear about this!

About a hundred years ago I had a cervical injection. Really no big deal. I'm not needle anxious though. If you are apprehensive, get the valium, ativan, etc. Out dental patients do so well with it. Just don't forget the driver, both ways.

[Catrin]

Catrin:

I'm out of the loop! What did you do to your neck? I think I may remember you doing the crash and burn thing with the mountain bike. Was that it? Sorry to hear about this!

About a hundred years ago I had a cervical injection. Really no big deal. I'm not needle anxious though. If you are apprehensive, get the valium, ativan, etc. Out dental patients do so well with it. Just don't forget the driver, both ways.

Oh I fell over a LOT on the mountain bike this year, that is just part of learning how to mountain bike :) At least for me it is, and for the most part there were no consequences to me or my bike on all of those falls...less one. The last time I was on the trail I just happened to hit a root wrong at too slow a speed, fell wrong and gave myself whiplash. Just one of those freak things, the whiplash left me with 3 bulging disks...

I AM needle anxious, though I've not heard it put that way before. I do have a ride both ways and am getting the sedation. I really hope that this works, for if it doesn't I will certainly get the surgery. I am far too active to not take care of this properly.

[smittykitty]

Sounds like you're on the right track. Take care.

[Catrin]

I am trying to do what they say. The only thing that gives me pause is I've a few friends who have been long-time orthopedic surgical nurses and they keep making encouraging sounds about how far cervical spine surgery has come in repairing such injuries. Hopefully they aren't trying to tell me something, but at least if the injections don't work I will have tried a more conservative remedy first...

[snapdragen]

I am trying to do what they say. The only thing that gives me pause is I've a few friends who have been long-time orthopedic surgical nurses and they keep making encouraging sounds about how far cervical spine surgery has come in repairing such injuries. Hopefully they aren't trying to tell me something, but at least if the injections don't work I will have tried a more conservative remedy first...

Which is exactly what you should do, IMHO. I had surgery as a last resort, and I'm glad I did, but I think exploring all options is the way to go.

[Catrin]

Which is exactly what you should do, IMHO. I had surgery as a last resort, and I'm glad I did, but I think exploring all options is the way to go.

I am really dreading tomorrow, (sedation is GOOD), but I would be dreading surgery more. Hopefully we won't need to go there but time will tell. It is my hope that getting the inflammation in muscles, disks, and bone to go away will solve the problem. Who knew that bone gets inflamed?

I am hoping this "conscious sedation" will be like when I had the colonoscopy....no memory.

Meanwhile I am watching my posture at work, which does seem to help a bit.

[OakLeaf]

IV sedation is like you might get for a major dental procedure. No memory of the procedure or a couple of hours afterward. The person who's supposed to be with you may have all kinds of amusing stories. ;) If you're sent home with pain meds (? I have no idea), they should make sure you take them, because you will neither remember to take them, nor remember having taken them.

Oral sedation is often Halcion or a similar tranquilizer. I don't know anything about that.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the tips - I will actually be home by myself, someone will drop me off but it should be fine. I was fine after my colonoscopy, I imagine that would be the same type of sedation, at least I hope!

I just noticed that I misspelled the name of this thread, but it is too late to change than now! :o

[Catrin]

This is a post-injection/happy juice post :) Thankfully I don't remember a thing about the procedure, for which I am deeply thankful. I am not allowed to drive at all today, and I won't. I certainly don't want to risk a DUI or hurting someone. I've good books and music to occupy my time today. I will also take a break from the trainer, just relaxing today.

I got what I consider good news from the specialist. In his opinion almost everyone my age has bulging discs and that is not where my pain is coming from. He also doesn't think I really have nerve impingement. He made an interesting comment, he said if all of the symptoms on my right side were moved to my left that it would be signs of a heart attack.

He thinks that the cervical spine arthritis was happily doing its degenerative thing without bothering me until the fall when I snapped my neck so hard and that really caused it to flare. In his opinion everything is from the arthritis and all of the apparent neurological symptoms are actually referred pain from the arthritis. Treat the arthritis, do some physical therapy to target specific places, and he thinks I will be good to go and back on the mountain bike/normal activity level long before spring.

I will do the PT, but it will have to wait until January 1 so I can use my flexible spending account to pay for those $35 co-pays since he wants me to go 2-3 times a week for a time.

[Crankin]

Yay! So nice to hear a surgeon who understands your lifestyle and that being over 40 doesn't mean you are ready to give in and give up.

[snapdragen]

That is awesome news Catrin!! I am doing a happy dance. ;)

[redrhodie]

Great news! Don't try to bunny hop today. ;)

[Catrin]

That is awesome news Catrin!! I am doing a happy dance. ;)


Thanks Crankin and Snap, I am as well :) I admit it was the apparent neurological symptoms that had me so concerned, I never dreamed that it could "simply" be referred from the arthritis (if referred pain could ever be called simple).

Hopefully it won't hurt to put the PT off until next month but I've not much of a choice there...

LOL Red - thankfully I've not yet learned how to do that ;)

[OakLeaf]

That does sound like good news - hope the injections relieve your symptoms!

[Catrin]

That does sound like good news - hope the injections relieve your symptoms!

He thinks it will take the combination of the injections plus physical therapy. He said that specific muscle groups need strengthened that aren't normally focused on in normal strength training (outside of those who compete in body building). This doctor seems to know his stuff, hopefully it will work out that way. There is a chance that further injections won't be necessary.

[indysteel]

I'm glad it went well. I'm even more thrilled that you're seeing a doctor that wants to take a broader view of your treatment. Hopefully you'll be right as rain soon.

[emily_in_nc]

Thanks for the update. It sounds like the best possible news you could have received, given everything. And glad you don't remember anything from the procedure itself. (I felt sure you wouldn't after having similar sedation for my first colonoscopy this spring.) Keep us posted!

[Catrin]

My neck feels better this afternoon than it has in some time...of course there are likely still drugs in my system. I am hopeful though, it isn't even making noises when I turn my head :)

I don't FEEL drugged, but am also not chock full of energy...it is good that I am just spending the afternoon curled up on the couch reading "The Lost Continent" by Terry Pratchett, listening to a radio station, and checking email and TE every few hours. That is about as active as I feel like being.

[smittykitty]

Thanks for the update. Was thinking of you today. Sounds like you're on the right track with the right health care pros. Take it easy for a few days and let the injection do its thing.

The New Years PT sounds like a great plan, so long as they feel you can wait. And really, it only a few weeks away:eek::eek::eek:

Take care of yourself. Happy couch time.

[goldfinch]

He thinks it will take the combination of the injections plus physical therapy. He said that specific muscle groups need strengthened that aren't normally focused on in normal strength training (outside of those who compete in body building). This doctor seems to know his stuff, hopefully it will work out that way. There is a chance that further injections won't be necessary.

I have arthritis in my cervical spine and did the PT and have kept up on the exercises. It has made a big difference in my comfort, especially on the bike for long distances.

[Catrin]

Thanks for the update. Was thinking of you today. Sounds like you're on the right track with the right health care pros. Take it easy for a few days and let the injection do its thing.

The New Years PT sounds like a great plan, so long as they feel you can wait. And really, it only a few weeks away:eek::eek::eek:

Take care of yourself. Happy couch time.

I am sure the specialist would prefer I didn't wait, but the PT does expect to get paid...I do know that he wants me to work on my upper back extensors, so I can ask my trainer about that and start work before then. I can't believe there is a muscle group in my body we haven't worked on in the last two years but the doctor said that these don't normally get a lot of attention in normal conditioning.

I would like to do my usual Wed weights and ArcTrainer tonight, but it would probably be best to take one more day off and just start back with spinning class tomorrow night...I do have my stuff with me but you have a good point.


I have arthritis in my cervical spine and did the PT and have kept up on the exercises. It has made a big difference in my comfort, especially on the bike for long distances.

This is good to know, thank you. I do feel better now that I know I don't have real nerve impingement and the numbness/tingling in my right arm is referred pain from the arthritis. That is what really had me concerned, especially when it started from my right jaw and went all the way down to my finger tips :eek: Thankfully this wasn't on the LEFT side...

[Dogmama]

Fantastic!! So glad that you've found a non-surgical solution!

[Catrin]

I feel better than I have since the fall, so that is hopeful :)

The link is helpful, thanks! I think my deadlifting days might be done but the other exercises look quite interesting.

[Catrin]

Ditto! :eek:

Sadly, I LIKE Romanian Deadlifts! They feel quite good...but it is easy to move wrong and cause problems. I think my hamstring injury in particular last winter was due to deadlifting too much weight without warming up properly.

[Catrin]

Either the shots are starting to wear off already...or my sleeping position/pillow is bad. Considering I was able to ride my bike today in the cold with no discomfort at all, yet I woke up in the night with neck pain and headache I am assuming it is the latter... Regardless, I do feel much better even of some of it has returned. I hate to change anything before I start the PT next month...

[Dogmama]

I've found that any overhead lifting aggravates my neck. Hamstring injuries are a drag because they seem to hang on. In my case, my hamstring problems were a result of arthritis in my lower back referring the pain down my leg. Sadly, neck and lower back problems seem to go together, according to my spine doctor.

When it acts up, I lower the weights & make sure that I'm stretching the hammies. Single leg deadlifts - also called single leg Romanian DL's - are great & work lower back + hamstrings.

[Catrin]

I think that the piss*d off arthritis might finally be calming down :D Either that or I am getting used to things. I really hope the PT that starts next on Jan 5 will really help to strengthen the supporting structure for the future. No activity seems to cause more pain than others these days as long as I separate weight lifting from riding by at least a couple of hours, am starting to sleep a bit better, and while some of the pain has returned after the injections it isn't worsening and it is localized to my actual neck these days.

Thanks to all for the helpful comments. Now that the underlying condition was aggravated so badly it may not go back to what it was like before, but if I can manage it and continue my desired activity level (including mountain biking), I won't complain.

Dogmama, I've been told to never do Romanian deadlifts again...which is sad because I REALLY like how they make me feel - but both doctor and trainer think it puts too much stress on my neck.

[Dogmama]

Dogmama, I've been told to never do Romanian deadlifts again...which is sad because I REALLY like how they make me feel - but both doctor and trainer think it puts too much stress on my neck.

You're supposed to grip the weight with your hands, not your teeth! :D

I guess the looking-up position would be hard on the neck vertebrae. Does that include squats & deadlifts?

[Catrin]

You're supposed to grip the weight with your hands, not your teeth! :D

I guess the looking-up position would be hard on the neck vertebrae. Does that include squats & deadlifts?

:) I can do squats with a machine but have been forbidden to squat with a bar. This makes sense to me considering where the bar is situated. I squat 200 pounds with the machine and if nothing else it makes my neck feel better... I've been considering raising that weight, but for now will just increase the repetitions - this probably isn't the best time to raise the weight.

I've only done Romanian deadlifts, and there are other ways of getting the same effect. I am done with deadlifts. I do have a hand-grip problem that limits me more with deadlifts than other exercises, so I am fine with that.