From what I understand (and it's not MUCH) the injection is supposed to 'BATHE) the nerve in the solution -- it's not supposed to HIT the nerve directly. Now I'm probably wrong, but that's my understanding. It's' much like the morphine pump where the drugs "bathe" the nerves in the morphine.

So the injection is placed in the tissues AROUND the nerves, and 'bathes' the nerve(s) in the steroid solution. That's why it's NOT supposed to be so excruciating when it's done. And that's why the pain isn't supposed to be so horrendous afterwards -- the nerve wasn't HIT. So again -- I may be wrong, cause I've been wrong plenty of time before, but that's my understanding.

Someone correct me if I am -- please. Hugs, Lee

I had an epidural inection in my cervical spine, which is the neck, right when the dr stuck the needle in my c5-c6 i had spiderwebs of pain radiating everywhere! I was screaming crying, sobbing it hurt so bad, I could barely talk to tell him what was hurting! the next day my pain was so much worse, and I lost the full function of my right arm, I could not feel it or use it at all! I called him and told him what was happening and he told me there was nothing he could do for me that I needed to go to pain management. He shunned me away b/c he either hit my main nerve and now I have nerve damage, or he hit my spinal cord, we are not sure yet, but my pain has been worse ever since, I did get the function back in my arm after about 2 weeks, but my pain has never subided, my injection was in feb, it is now july... My 3 fingers on my right hand do still have a pins and needle feeling that never goes away like they are asleep. So, my point is if you are experiencing this, most likely your nerve was hit, and everyone is different, so there is no telling if it will get better or not, or how long it will be that way. sorry you are dealing with this, I know it is frustrating, just being in pain is frustrating, and having no answers makes it alot harder to deal with!

Hello Hmarie
 

Did a pain specialist do these injections to you? I am so sorry this happened. I had several kinds of injections before my last fusion. I did not have the trouble you are experiencing. In fact there was no pain at all. I had a pain specialist do my injections. If the shot hurt, like you said, I am not sure I could have done as bravely as you did. I may have belted the guy and jumped up. I am such a wuss when it comes to stuff like that. I wish there were some help for you. I now have a pain specialist that is new. I had to change as surgical pain was not covered by my doctor, or the surgeon, so what is patient to do? I found a new gal who is a physiasist. This is a branch of medicine that deals with you in a cellular level. I have RSD in my ankle from former surgeries. We are trying to help the pain with suppliments, pain meds and creams. My spinal fusion is not just too bad with the pain, but then again I have the pain meds. Please try to find someone who can try to help you with the nerve pain. I have no doubt from what you said that some nerve was touched or poked. I am here for you any time. My PM box is full right now and I am having trouble deleting. So just post to me through the thread if you need to talk. I am fused C3-7, so I do know about the pain you have experienced. I send you my best wishes and prayers. ginnie:hug:

Hi Marie,
 

I'm curious what kind of doctor this was too, and did he not use a fluoroscope to guide where the needle was going?

Doc

Yes fluoroscope
 

I agree with doc. My shots were with the fluoroscope. I didn't know docs. did the injections without this device. I have you in my prayers right now. ginnie

No pain? During ESI
 

Hi,
I had 2 epidural injections with fluroscope done buy my pain management doc. During the procedure each time I felt a strong " electric" shock down my leg. The shots were in lumbar region. I dealt with it and did remember reading prior to having it done this was a normal feeling.

The other day I had an appt with neuro surgeon. In conversation he mentioned that the I should not have felt the " electric" shock sensation.. But he didn't elaborate ... Now I am scheduled for a discogram and am worried what I might feel something that I shouldn't feel during this test!! Did anyone else feel the shock thing during ESI??

Hi grouchy
 

I don't think the shocks should have been felt with the epidural. The disogram is not such a good injection. It is more of a test I think. Ask more of the site on this one, and look up the proceedure on google. I would also ask your doc. if it is absolutely necessary. I run for the hills at this kind of stuff. I also had infusions, that didn't hurt. Those tests that cause pain, I am a wimp over. Others do just fine. I am a wuss sometimes....ginnie

I did
 

Ihad the pain and "shock" but they told me it was a good sign that they got it in the right spot.

Dr. Smith
 

Can you tell me if shocks with those injections are the norm? What I read says it isn't normally happening with the floroscope? ginnie:hug:

I had electric type feeling during the procedure as well and have been in worse pain ever since... i can find anything anywhere that says its normal! everything about it says it is supposed to be comfortable and you just feel pressure...