Hello to all, it is my first time here so please bear with me. I have recently been diagnosed with osteo arthritis in my neck c2-c7. I find that I am in constant pain, it starts with a tingling then a burning sensation then full blown pain. My problem is I can do everyday tasks, it's when I stop is the problem, that's when the pain starts. I am currently taking gabapentin dyhydrocodine and diazapam. My physiotherapist today has strapped my right arm in a soft sling to stop the weight of my arm pulling on my neck and she has sent a referral for pain injections. Can anyone please give me some advice, on these injections.
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welcome to the forum.
I'm afraid I can't help,(I have RA). I just wanted to say hello.
I'm sure someone better informed than me will be along soon.
Wishing you well,
Numpty
Thank you for the welcome message.
I have arthritis in my lumbar spine, so different to yours but also kinda the same! I had injections into my facet joint and epidural space at the end of May. They worked a treat. I had about two weeks afterwards where they were building up and then had two fabulous months! I am now back on the downward slope but those two months this summer were brilliant.
I note that you say you can do everyday tasks but suffer afterwards. That is true with me to some extent. I know it is difficult but you have to try and learn your limitations. I have found that waiting until I actually hurt to stop doing something is way too late. Similarly I can get on with something fine but then hurt like heck later. I think pacing is the key. I know it is difficult. People always say "listen to your body" but that is no use when your body waits until later to shout at you that "that was too much"!!!! I have learnt, through trial and painful error my new limitations.
Anyway, I wish you luck and feel free to ask me anything!
Helen x
I have had eight epidurals and more than twenty steroid injections into my cervical spine over a period of about 18 years.
In my area the epidurals are usually done in a face down position, by having your face looking at the floor through a large rubber type donut.
The injections are usually face up and you have an anaesthetic but not a knock out one, so you are awake but don't feel pain, just a bit of 'pulling'.
The surgeon has an xray/scan type monitor which you are connected uo to. This enables him to get the needle in exactly the right place.
You have a dressing on the site of entry. Afterwards here they give you tea and toast, you stay for a couple of hours and then go home. It's done as day surgery.
The epidurals take a bit more recovery time than the injections. You are usually quite sore for a few days.
How much pain relief you get really depends on you and how bad your condition is. Some people have relief for months, some have none at all.
I have had both reactions.
If you have up to about 6 there are usually no complicatiions. You will know by a couple whether they benefit you or not.
However if you end up having lots the steroid builds up in your system.
I had so many because I begged my consultant to keep me going while my sons were still at home. He warned me several times I was having a few too many but was very kind and gave me the benefit of the doubt.
I now have a reduced functioning liver because of too many steroids.
I must point out though that I have also had many courses of oral steroids throughout my life as well.
So now I can't have any more, but my sons have flown the nest and I have accepted my disabilities and to an extent my pain.
So give them a try and see how you get on. You may find that you are one of the people who really benefit from them.
So sorry you have these problems. It's an awful thing to live with.
I always say the blueprint for the human race had too many flaws in it to get passed today!Best wishes to you. Joy