what is nerve block ? please help

[smiley357]

I went to a doctor he said i need to have a ( lumbar disectomy fusion L-5). , got a second opinion and doc. says i just need nerve block shots ????

[smiley357]

Thank you so much for the info.. :)                   smiley

[Tuckamore]

Hi Smiley,

These are some of the statistics that I found through searching the Internet. Currently, the re-operation rate for just a discectomy is 17-20%. As you know a discectomy is removal of herniated disc material that presses on a nerve root or the spinal cord. It is considered to be one of the most effective types of surgery if nonsurgical treatment has failed and you are experiencing severe, disabling pain.

If I understand you correctly they are planning to repair the disc and than do a fusion. A fusion is another surgical approach when all else has failed and  according to the statistics doesn’t prove to have any more success with an average success rate of 68%. However this varies from study to study from 16-95%.

A myelogram can be more effective than other studies at viewing the details of your spine. With this procedure the radiologist is able to view and evaluate the status of the spinal cord, nerve roots, and meninges, which are the membranes which surround and cover the spinal cord and nerve roots. Myelography provides a very detailed picture.

Nerve blocks usually require repeating. They are effective from 3 months to 18 months. Everyone is different and much depends on the location of the injury, the skill of the technician and of course how one's body reacts to the procedure.

In my personal opinion I would try all non-invasive treatments before I consented to a fusion. I would even have a discectomy first. However I am not your surgeon and I cannot advise you. Just make sure you educate yourself on the procedures and options available to you, well before you make any decisions.

Remember the above should not be taken as a medical opinion. This is just a personal opinion and nothing else. Your best advice will come from your physicians and surgeons. I would weight all the pros and cons. Chronic pain can be challenging and cloud our judgements. And as always I wish you the best of luck.

Peace,
~Tuck

[smiley357]

Yes , do you know what is the outcome of people that has had a" lumbar disectomy fusion L-5  do most of them heal good , can they function, do they have to more surgery.   And what about these nerve block , do they have to keep getting them , is it just covering the problem up for now and later have to have surgery ?    Do you know if a  " myelogram" can see more of what is going on , more than a MRI ???
                                Thanks so much                          smiley :)
P.S. yes , i have thought about a 3 opinion , but , i am running out of time on FMLA  of work , need answers quick ,but i think doc. are draging things out - competing with eachother wanting that $ , but , if i have no job , no ins.or $.                            
                                                                                                            :(

[Tuckamore]

Are there any specific questions you have that we may help you with?

Have you considered a third opinion? A tie breaker so to speak.

Just a thought.

Peace,
~Tuck

[smiley357]

Thank you for the responce,I will keep searching for answers. I am so stressed out and time is ticking , 1 doc. wants me to have surgery and the other says no. My FMLA is running out.                             Bless you               thanks smiley

[Tuckamore]

Hi Smiley,

The term "Nerve Block" can be used broadly to describe a procedure that is done in many different locations for different conditions or reasons.

In general Nerve Block means, a procedure in which an anesthetic agent is injected directly near a nerve to block pain. A nerve block is a form of regional anesthesia. In some cases they also inject a steroid to decrease inflammation when you have pain in a location.

These can be very effective or not very effective. I think it depends on the individual, the technician and the type and often the location of your pain. It's usually worth a try before having an invasive and structural altering surgery.

Please ask for information on the procedure and an explanation from the physician that is suggesting a nerve block. Make an informed and educated decision. The Internet should also provide you with information.

If you have more specific questions please feel free to ask on our forum. I know that we have members that have had this procedure. I wish you the very best and hope you will share your decision with us.

Take Care,
~Tuck