Cervical Epidural

[wakey]

Has anyone ever had one of these?

[Mark in Idaho]

Is your doctor suggesting a cervical epidural? Or is this an over-simplification of a cervical nerve block to a control a specific radiculopathy?

[jinga]

I have had 4 this year - they help some eith radicular pain but do very little with the center of pain - I will guess you have pain at the base of your neck into upper back?

[Mark in Idaho]

I have had the pain and pinching like jinga mentioned. I get my best relief with myofacial release treatments from my physical therapist.

She taught me an exercise that helps immensely. I have a stretch band attached to a fixed point just above shoulder level. I grab it in my hand and pull it across my chest and as I finish the pull, I try to pinch my shoulder blade to the opposite shoulder blade. I hope my description makes sense. The goal is to exercise the muscle that goes from the top of the shoulder to the base of the neck. This can mobilize the joint at that location.

I have problems at both ends of the neck, C-1, C-2 and C-5, C-6, C-7, T-1.

Some people have false ribs associated with the lower cervical vertebra that can cause trouble. A physiatrist (Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation) doctor requested a special x-ray series to identify my false ribs. He then prescribed physical therapy to correct the issue there.

It made an enormous difference once this was resolved. It flares up from time to time. This is a very common injury in car accidents, especially those with a whiplash effect.

My best to you.

[Neurobrain2000]

They are typically well tolerated and are mildy painful. It is worthwhile to try.

[wakey]

Thanks for the replies.

Mine is to rule out radicular pain. It is a general cervical epidural, though I do not have pain specifically located in the neck. My pain is mostly located in the head.

I'm not sure about that stretch. Is that for neck/back pain? Can you find a picture to guide me.

Thanks.

[jinga]

cervical epidural will not do anything for head pain - maybe you are getting a occpital injection in the nerve along the pack of your head - thats just a one shot deal and then your done - cervical epi are pumping steroids in the space surrounding the dura and disc space

[Mark in Idaho]

wakey,

Here is a link.

http://www.thera-bandacademy.com/tba...r-the-shoulder


Look at the exercise labeled

Thera-Band Shoulder External Rotation at 0 degrees

Instead of the stretch band at mid level, anchor it at shoulder to head height. Then, with the anchor point straight ahead of your left shoulder, pull it with your right hand with your elbow swinging around behind you. As you do this, you should attempt to touch your shoulder blades together. You can't get them to touch but it is the motion to get the proper muscle use.