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Are Spinal Cervical Nerve Root Blocks Safe And Effective?
Question: are spinal cervical nerve blocks dangerous? I am having one, but I have sublaxation in 1 and 2 discs,
what may work better and safer for my ra pain?
what may work better and safer for my ra pain?
Brief Answer:
Pretty safe
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your fear and reluctance to undergo such a seemingly invasive procedure.
Nerve blocks nowadays are a routine procedure. They are not done blindly but usually under the guidance of X-ray so in the hands of an experienced person are pretty safe. Of course as with every injection there is some danger of bleeding or infection at the puncture site, risk of nerve injury as well as some transient pain or numbness after the injection, the rate of complications is pretty low though as I said.
As for other options, well since your doctors have proposed nerve blocks I suppose more conservative measures have been tried such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen, medication for neuropathic pain (anticonvulsants or antidepressants). When those options fail I am afraid what is left is either nerve block or surgery (but I guess surgery looks even more daunting to you).
I remian at your disposal for other questions.
Pretty safe
Detailed Answer:
I read your question carefully and I understand your fear and reluctance to undergo such a seemingly invasive procedure.
Nerve blocks nowadays are a routine procedure. They are not done blindly but usually under the guidance of X-ray so in the hands of an experienced person are pretty safe. Of course as with every injection there is some danger of bleeding or infection at the puncture site, risk of nerve injury as well as some transient pain or numbness after the injection, the rate of complications is pretty low though as I said.
As for other options, well since your doctors have proposed nerve blocks I suppose more conservative measures have been tried such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory painkillers like Ibuprofen, medication for neuropathic pain (anticonvulsants or antidepressants). When those options fail I am afraid what is left is either nerve block or surgery (but I guess surgery looks even more daunting to you).
I remian at your disposal for other questions.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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