HI Pensive one;

I have not done them I had acdf in 2010 -no regrets.

As far as the ESI(epidural steroid injections) yes I have seen many family members and friends have much success. In fact right after my surgery I took one of my friends to my surgeon he had 2 very large herinations at c-5-6 --but he was not spinal cord compressed --my surgeon referred to have ESI done-- one shot worked its been way over 2years no pain!! But --it took 3days after the shot before he felt the relief. Now another family member had to do all three before it worked. IMHO --its worth it--it a quick procedure feels like bee sting its x-ray guided. It really might help reduce the inflamation causing the pain and allows the disc to heal. Wish you all the best!!

Thanks mg, that's encouraging to hear!

All of this is too progressive and jumped the shark....I'm out of here...

Just saw a pain management doc who said my MRI "looks great" and thinks trigger point injections might due to the trick to break up the spasms and give the area time to heal, if that doesn't work he'd consider Botox to loosen the very tight muscles......says there are lots of options but its definitely not a surgical case, which I knew but was nice to hear straight from an MDs mouth. Looking forward to my injections next week- steroids won't be used.

Is there going to be any PT along with the Injections?
I would ask about that and ask specifically for a highly skilled PT.

Triggerpoint (manual & injections) are often used to tx TOS and TOS like injuries, botox also.
Also in conjunction with PT to address/resolve the full cause of the pain.
Did the MD mention the possible cause of those spasms/tight muscles?

The informational sheet I was given on the injections mentioned that stretching and strengthening was an integral part of the therapy ; however 3 mths of unsuccessful PT led me to a pain management doc in the first place. The purpose of this is to decrease the inflammation in the area and give it a chance to recoup. Hopefully the PT exercises I will probably resume wont cause more aggravation to the area but this time help.

The cause was most likely cumulative stress and bad posture which resulted in the flare which became worse as I said with PT. Beware of reading books or your i phone while half slumped in bed. I'mpretty sure hours of this bad habit led to neck strain. I've always had huge knots in my shoulders or as long as I can remember too..... A result of a stressful job (nurse) and holding my stress up in my shoulders. He said given my my "young" age 52, good health and being slim and fit should all make this issue fairly easily resolvable.



QUOTE=Jo*mar;981482]Is there going to be any PT along with the Injections?
I would ask about that and ask specifically for a highly skilled PT.

Triggerpoint (manual & injections) are often used to tx TOS and TOS like injuries, botox also.
Also in conjunction with PT to address/resolve the full cause of the pain.
Did the MD mention the possible cause of those spasms/tight muscles?[/QUOTE]