[kayley]

Hey everyone,

I had a neurologist suggest before to get shots in my neck where it is painful. (sorry I cannot remember the name of the shot, damn short term memory!) It may have been cortisone, pretty sure. At first, I resisted. I wanted to stick with physiotherapy for a while. I've now been doing it since the spring. I'm starting to wonder if maybe these shots would be a good idea.

Has anyone had some kind of injection for neck pain? Did it help? Did it last last long? Any side effects? Any input you guys have would be great! Thanks!

[Mark in Idaho]

The cortisone shot may reduce your pain but it may also mask the real injury that needs to be treated. As a temporary way to give you some relief, it may be worthwhile. But, don't let them convince you that you don't have a neck injury that needs treatment and healing.

What kind of physiotherapy are you receiving?

Most work with range of motion and strengthening. The best therapists know how to relieve the muscle spasms so your neck can settle down and heal. Maybe a shot of Botox to cause the spasming muscles to relax will help.

You need to do some medical sleuthing to find a doctor who will help.

My best to you.

[kayley]

Originally Posted by Mark in Idaho

The cortisone shot may reduce your pain but it may also mask the real injury that needs to be treated. As a temporary way to give you some relief, it may be worthwhile. But, don't let them convince you that you don't have a neck injury that needs treatment and healing.

What kind of physiotherapy are you receiving?

Most work with range of motion and strengthening. The best therapists know how to relieve the muscle spasms so your neck can settle down and heal. Maybe a shot of Botox to cause the spasming muscles to relax will help.

You need to do some medical sleuthing to find a doctor who will help.

My best to you.

Thanks for replying! That's what I had been thinking that it would only be temporary. After months of physio, it's starting to sound pretty good! My physio is vision, balance, cardio and neck exercises. My physiotherapist is great! Where I live, this is the best doctor I can see. (1 hour away.) I'd have to drive 4 hours to see anyone else who is a neurologist.

[HeadStrong]

Hi Kayley,
Sorry about your neck pain. I had diagnostic injections of lidocain into the nerves as well as BOTOX injections into the muscles to try to help my headaches....which can be caused by muscle spasms and neck injury.

I will caution you that the BOTOX injections can be rather painful because they are going deeper than they do for cosmetic purposes. In my case, the inflamation from my injury made it very painful and it didn't seem to help....but you may have a better outcome.

Your therapy sounds a lot like mine....I have had 8 weeks of vestibular which included the balance, low cardio and neck. Now I am in 4 weeks of Myofascial Release Therapy where they specifically target the muscles believed to be involved.