Hi.
Can someone make a list and a simple explanation of procedures? For example, I've had trigger point injections, a nerve block, and epidural, a radiofrequency block, etc. What do they all mean and are their different names for each one? I am just confused. Thanks.

No takers on this?

Sorry, I'm no help. I haven't had any of that stuff done. Hopefully someone else on the site can help.

ShariAnn,
There are answers to most of your question here


http://spinalinjuryfoundation.org/index.htm

This is a great site to learn from

Thanks, I'll look into it.

I've had all but the trigger point injections.

The trigger point injections are usually done in neck for cervical pain relief.

There's a cervical facet block and a lumbar facet block-depends on if your pain is in neck or back--I've had both. They are injections into the facet joints to tell doc if your problem is in the facets-if you get pain relief for a few hours, he will usually do a radiofrequency ablation which is where they burn the nerves and you get pain relief 8-18 mths. The facet blocks are diagnostic only.

There's also cervical & Lumbar steroid injections. They are usually given for disc pain. Most people get a few weeks tops for pain relief and you can only get 3 per year.

Discogram-usually done in hospital setting to neck or back. It's an injection that tells doc for sure whether it's your disc that's injured. And, he will usually inject 3 levels. That is for diagnostic purposes only-usually don't provide pain relief.

One more is the occipital nerve injections. This is done level c2-c3 for occipital pain which is pain that starts in your neck then works it's way up the back of your head and turns into migraine (I'm having that done Monday).

Oh, there is one more-RF-some people call it radiofrequency ablation or neurotomy. This is usually done in hospital setting and can be done to neck or back (the two I had done were both done to my neck). The doc injections a hollow point needle into your neck, then runs a thin wire thru it and on the end is a bulb that heats up and burns the nerves in your neck. No nerves, no pain is the theory. It worked for me.

There is something called IDET. Haven't had this done, but heard it was painful, but lately I think they knock you out for it. It's something like the RF but instead of going into the facets, the doc inserts it into the disc, heats it up and burns the nerves that are surrounding the disc.

Any more give me a buzz, lol.

donna

Disc surgery-if discogram (above) shows the disc is creating your pain, surgery will usually be done. If you have DDD (degenerative disc disease) you will have a fusion w/screws & pins (that's what I had done to back). If you have a herniated disc, you would probably have a laminectomy which is less invasive but still surgery.

 Procedure Brochures
http://www.spinalinjuryfoundation.org/SpinalProcedure.htm

http://spinalinjuryfoundation.org/101_new/whiplashnews.htm

wow this page is great. I have so much reading to do !