All I know is my Migraine Dr. says he wants to give me a nerve block for the Occipital Nerve, and he ways it is just numbing med's to calm down the nerve- he said it could last 5 years or so and then it might flare again. I am wondering though if it is going to be similar to the steroid injections I got in my lower back.... those hurt- they reminded me of my spinal tap.

Macophile,

The occipital blocks I've had were injections into the back of the skull where the occipital nerves are. The doctor uses a device that helps locate the nerves. The doctor doesn't go through the bone, just to be clear. My doctor numbs the area so it hasn't hurt me. He uses Marcaine and also injects some steroids into the area. After its done, there is a lump where the meds are and it goes down as the meds are absorbed.

I've had epidural steroid injections and facet injections and the occipital nerve block doesn't feel anything like those. I think if you go through with it, you'll be glad you did. I have always been glad I've done them.

Take care and low pain wishes

EE03,

Me too! Was and am glad I have the injections. But since my fusions I haven't had to have an occipital nerve injections; just facet injections at C2/C3 from time to time.

Anyway, no, the procedure I was trying to think of was NOT an RF. I know what that is. It was called something else. I am going to have to find out what the PERMANENT procedure is called. With RF's it is usually, as far as I know, the medial branch nerve that runs across the facet that is ablated. And that particular nerve's sole function in life is just to transmit pain...it is NOT a motor nerve. And those nerves grow back in in a matter of 6 months or so.

Oh, and an SNI is a Selective Nerve Root Injection. I have had those done at C6 but I think only 3 times in 10 years. They are more risky as the doc gets close to the nerve. And those dudes are motor nerves. I know because when he did it my arm flopped like a fish. But he backed off quick; didn't hit it or anything just got a little close. My husband has had the same SNI done in his lumbar.

I have to laugh at DH because he USED to say I don't understand why SOMETIMES the injections hurt you so bad. Well, that's because he always had had an ESI. Well, when he had the SNI, I heard him cuss from two doors down LOL! He said it electrified his leg. But, hey, he was okay; just finally realized that these things are not at all pleasant but we go forth to be rid of the pain. You know...a grin and bear it deal.

And one last thing now that I am on a roll LOL! It is the Facet injections that ALWAYS are painful to me. They are the worst! BUT my PM explained that for most people they are the EASIEST; it's just that my facets are forever inflamed. Anyway, my PM is great and laughs when I say the SNI's are easier on me. According to him most people hate them. So, go figure LOL!

Kathi,

Thanks for your post. I agree with you on the facets. Of all the ones I've had done, those puppies hurt me the most. Like you, my facets are pretty inflamed so I know what you mean.

Thanks for the clarification on the SNI too.

Mac and Oliverjenniferm, I hope this helps you.

Also, Kathi perhaps you're thinking about when they cut the nerve? I know anytime they cut nerves it's badddddd....

Hey guys,

Yeah, when they sever the nerves it's permanent.

I've had RFA once and three lots of nerve root blocks (steroids and local anaesthetic). These are not permanent, as you say.

Not sure I fancy having the nerves cut..........but never say never if I'm desperate enough!!!

Can you [lease tell me how you know your facets are inflamed? I ask because the doc that tried to do mine tried 3 times and then put the neddle into my dura (PAIN) Could it be because of inflamation. Where can I read about inflamed facets? Thanks much.
Paininhead

I can't tell you where to read about inflamed nerves. When my pain doctor placed the needles in the facets, it hurts like *&$%. Each time he moves the needle, it hurts like @#$* again, and this happens each time he does it...until its done. Bear in mind that you need to go through diagnostic rounds, usually two, and see the results of those before they will consider doing RFA's to the facets. Then, they do it again and in my case, it hurts even more because the nerves are "inflamed" and not happy. Several things make the nerves angry, such as bulging discs, facet hypertrophy(I think??), degenerative changes, stenosis, etc....there is a site called spine universe or something that talks about spine stuff in detail. I'll try to find it and post a link.

I hope this makes some sense. In my case, chronic neck pain preceeded all of this with spontaneous muscle spasms and such in the neck. I've been told that when the nerves are irritated/inflamed, they cause all these problems which has led to ON, as I indicated in my previous post. I really do hope this makes sense

About ten years ago I have had some kind of blockade of Occipital Neuralgia, but didn't work. Doctor told to me, it will be good for one year. It wasn't good for one hour.

I don't believe very much in injections and blockades.

Bozena