Good luck!

I guess I have used the wrong terminology in many of my postings so I want to apologize if they have mis-led anyone in the past, present, or future.

I guess I use the term "nerve block" incorrectly.

I have had injections with lidocaine or a similar agent and it was for "diagnostic" purpose. I have also had injections with steroids for "treatment" purposes. When having injections with a steroid, I have called them nerve blocks. If I was incorrect in doing so, I do apologize but the paperwork from my insurer says: surgical procedure - nerve block

I really did not mean to cause any confusion. I have also used the same term "nerve block" regardless of the site of the injection. I have used the term for spinal injections as well as injections for nerves AFTER they have left the spinal column.

The only reason I am making this post is to clarify that I may have been guilty of using improper terminology not only in the past, but will probably do so in the future. I just don't want anyone to be mis-led if I use the wrong terms.

More than once this past year a Doctor has used the term "Nerve Block" when he really meant an Epidural Steroid Injection. I was told a nerve block was a diagnostic tool and then the procedure for an epidural was described. I did not realize the inaccuracy until I read the exchange of ideas on the subject here, between posters. I then knew I needed to research the topic more fully and if I do decide to get an epidural injection I will check to make sure Kenolog is not used as the steroid.

Most of us do not have a scientific or medical background and are just trying our best to be of service. I appreciate all of you guys more then you'll know.

I am editing because I just found this which adds to the confusion: http://apmspineandsports.com/diagnosis/epidurals/
"A selective nerve root block is a spinal procedure in which anesthetic is placed on a specific nerve root of the spine to help identify the exact source of leg or arm pain. The injection usually also contains steroid to decrease inflammation and pain. The injection is similar to a transforaminal epidural steroid injection, but in a selective nerve root block there is no attempt to have the medication enter the epidural space. Rather, the aim is strictly to cover the offending nerve root."

My husbands pain management doctor used the term "nerve block", no mention of steroids when he tried it in his feet. Totally painless according to my husband.

Did absolutely nothing in terms of pain relief, but certainly worth trying.

What works for some, doesn't for others.

Linda

Last Wednesday I ended up having epidural steroid injections targeting L5. I believe it was the lidocaine in the injection that was responsible for about 2 1/2 hrs of complete bliss until it wore off. It was amazing to be free of my symptoms for the 1st time in 15 months.

The reason I attribute the relief to the Lidocaine is because the effect was temporary and the steroid takes some time (days to week) to kick in. What I question is how a local anesthetic applied to my back effect the nerves in my legs and feet? It wouldn't have lessened swelling or inflammation or any impingement.

I am so confused. If you have any ideas please give your input. My follow up appointment is in 2 weeks and I would love to understand this before I go.

Glad it helped the pain
Allmost all the peripheral innervations connects to the brain through the spinal cord.
The nerves that exits (motor) and enters (sensory) each segment of the spinal cord innervates a slice of the body, it is called dermatome, you can read about in Wiki -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dermatome_(anatomy)
You can see in the image there that the nerve fibers that pass at L5 innervates the feet.

This is very helpful

1 month ago I had Epidural Steroid injection(s) targeted at L4-L5 to see if it is the cause of my symptoms and to give me some temporary relief. I kept a journal and here is the readers digest condensed version

The injection consisted of both lidocaine & corti-costeroid). Fluoroscopy (live x-ray) was used to monitor the placement of the liquid. It was not painful although I did feel a slight pressure in one area.

Within a short time after I got off the table I realized something was different. ALL my symptoms were gone completely. This included the burning in my hands which my neurologist insisted could not be from my lumbar. (Of course he has insisted other things that have not been my truth.) I felt a little tipsy which is why I guess you need someone to drive you after. The feeling of being whole again lasted about 2 1/2 hour and was glorious! As the Lidocaine wore off my symptoms started to come back and by early evening they were much more intense then usual. I could not get comfortable sitting, standing or lying down. They were horribly intense for the next 2 days and then started to die down. I used ice on my back and it helped some.

Over the next week my symptoms began to lessen. I was allowed to do a few exercises so I went to the gym and that turned out to be a huge mistake. Within hours my symptoms escalated and it took 1 1/2 days for them to start to calm down. It took a week to get back to where I had been before the gym.

My progress continues and symptoms are much improved but not gone. It seems when my burning is improved my night time twitches and flutters are more present still disrupting my sleep most nights.

I had a follow-up yesterday with the doctor who did the ESI (sports medicine, Physiatrist) and he feels my results confirm my lumbar being the cause. I have scheduled 2 appointments with university doctors to discuss the possibility of surgery and listen to their approach. I plan on getting a minimum of 3 opinions.

I'm still very reluctant to go this route but I know that besides (hopefully) being able to effect my symptoms, not being able to move my body is causing other areas to harm as they stiffen up due to osteo-arthritis. Besides, I'm not getting any younger!

You might explore some topical lidocaine in the same area, as the injection.

Lidoderm patches, or the OTC Aspercreme with Lidocaine.

Thanks MrsD. I do have the Aspercreme and will be doing some exploration!!