nerve blockers

[lolo899]

I recently had steriod injections for 3 herniated discs, L3, L4 & L5. I also have a sclerotic growth in the T12 pedicle that causes pain. My doctor prescribed Gabapentin. Nothing seems to work. I still have pain but not intense pain. I am worried all the injections and blockers could potentially lead to more damage if I am not careful. Does anyone know of any treatment options?

[smiley357]

Hi I was reading your post, I hope you can help .   I have been having back pain for awhile , I went to several doc. finely a spine specialist and he said i need to have a Lumber Disectomy fusion , well i was scared and got a second opinion -he said he did not see what the other doc. seen and he wants me to have the nerve block shots. I still hurt not as bad because i am on 4 types of meds.  Thats another ? , the doc ask how bad are you hurting right now what is it between 1 to 10 " I said well i am on 4 different meds so the pain is maybe a 5- what the" H---" was i supossed to say ?    Oh yeah, and gabapintine is one of them , it did help calm down the pain. To top it of before i went to 2nd doc. i got a letter from ins. saying they dont see what 1 doc. sees and ins. has denied to pay for that  ??     Please Help give ans.                 thanks

[Mollyrae]

Hello lolo:

Welcome to the Pain Forum. I have used Gaba for sometime now and have only had good results with treating my nerve pain as well as back pain. Like Jamie mentioned, everyone's system is different but the census outcome is more on the positive side rather than negative.

Googling Gaba is a very good idea and will give you information that you will not find here.

As far as Nerve Blocks (shots), well...I have had one many years ago and that was the last one I will ever have. It not only added to my back pain, the increased pain lasted for  a couple of weeks. I repeatedly called the Doctor who gave me the injection (s) there were about 6 shots in the area at one time and he re-assured me that after the initial 2 weeks, I would be feeling much better. NOT.....WOW....So, that's what I went through. I will not tell you that it was not painful either. It hurt like H***.

I agree with you in not masking your symptoms. Many times when a person masks their symptoms, it can lead to either more damage or un-necessary procedures.

Good luck to you and keep us informed and up to date :)

My best,
Mollyrae

[lolo899]

Thank you for your comments. To date I have not experienced adverse affects with the nerve blocker Gabapentin.
I will certainly research Dr. Pettine's methods. I really would prefer to deal with pain by not masking symptoms. I have always been an active person and I am at a loss to adjust my lifestyle (including basic daily movements like reaching and bending) in consideration of my restricted abilities. Unfortunately physiotherapy has been on hold while I am undergoing further diagnostics for the T12 issues. I just know my body is losing mobility as a result of this.
I appreciate any further comments, suggestions etc.
Thank you.

[Shancard]

I too am on Gabapentin. I take 600MG 3 times a day and it has helped me with nerve pain. I was only getting the injections until I was rear ended and now my L4 to S1 is now herniated with a tear at S1 with disc protrusion. That is why they put me on Gabapentin.
I have been doing the injections for a few years now and with a good doctor the injections will last longer then others. I would not worry yourself about the injections and blocker doing more damage. They are to make like more comfortable and assist you in motion for daily life.
Doctors such as mine are designing new procedures. Always get a second opinion and make sure your doctor is board certified by the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Yes I know of other treatment options but I don't want you or anyone here in this panel to think I am her to just promote my Doctor. He is very good and changes the lives of many for the better every day. If you are interested in what he and his staff have to offer as far as a better quality of life please Google  

Dr. Kenneth Pettine, M.D.
Acute and Chronic Neck and Back Pain
Co-Inventor, Maverick™ Artificial Disc

Good Luck to you

[jamlws]

I have been on gabapentin and it really messed me up but it may work for you. I was taking 1800mg a day of them. I will NEVER take them again or anything in the same family. People have said gabapentin makes their pain go away, and people like me say they don't do anything. It just depends on the person and how your body handles this med. I keep refusing nerve blocks but old pain dr keeps pushing then and pushing them but my pain is in my face so it scares me to get a nerve block. I haven't had steriod injections but maybe someone on here has and can help you there.
Best of luck to you,
Jamie