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264233 tn?1216342315

cervical medial branch block

my cervical (c-5 c-6 c-7) are in pretty bad shape and i am told i need a cervical medial branch block.
no problem.  my question does anyone know if low platelettes my being 92,000 can be a problem when getting this tx?   does having low platelette counts affect the way tx goes or is it just a precaution. if anyone knows anything about this procedure or any alternatives if platlettes are an issue for tx to my spine i would greatly appreciate the info.

thx everyone :0 )
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264233 tn?1216342315
thank you for the reply.
my mri was taken this year ( last one was 5yrs prior ) showed bone spurs and bone degeneration to the point of pressure being placed on my spinal cord at my c_5 c_6 c_7. the veterans hosp took the mri because of numbness, dizzines,fatigue,etc  symptoms were startin to become an issue.  the head ache and spinal clinic people are the ones who at first suggested then now have denied the shots are why i came to this forum.
after trying to be a somewhat informed person when it comes to my health this clinic scoffed when i questioned there soc tactics.  i say that because had i noy mentioned my platlets issue to them  and various other med issues i have they were planning to do the tx.

i guess i am just flustered that what was possibly a fix to my ever grwing symptoms is now placed on hold and now i am trying to see if anyone who might have gone thru a similar situation might be able to offer some alts to me .
anyway thanks  for you reply.
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Avatar universal
Hi --
  I sent you a PM regarding medial branch blocks.  My understanding is that the procedure is not recommended for individuals who have a prior bleeding problem or taking blood thinning medications such as Coumadin.  The potential for increased bleeding is thought to be a contraindication.  I am not sure at what level your platelet count needs to be or if you would definitely not be a candidate based on the medical condition causing the low platelet count.
I hope you can find someone to give you additional information.  Is the medial branch block being suggested because they are confident your pain is being generated from the facet joints? What were the results of any recent MRI?  Were they able to offer any viable alternatives?
Regards -----
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