Epidural/Nerve Blocks Vertebroplasty

What is a Nerve Block?

Nerve blocks are minimally invasive, topical injection treatments that are designed to reduce nerve and joint pain. Medication is injected via syringe into the membrane surrounding the spinal cord to block pain signals from reaching the brain.

How do you prepare for an Epidural?

Prior to receiving the injections, your doctor will review any medications that you are currently taking, as some prescriptions may cause complications. You may also be asked to refrain from eating or drinking after midnight the night prior to receiving the injection.

Why is a Nerve Block performed?

The term “epidural” typically brings to mind surgery or childbirth, but nerve block injections can be performed as treatment for pain that stems from a variety of causes including herniated discs, pinched nerves, and back pain. This procedure can help determine the source of pain and inhibit the pain signals originating from the nerves of the spine. Nerve block treatment may also help alleviate inflammation.

What can you expect during a Nerve Block?

Prior to treatment, you and your doctor will review your pain symptoms and medical history to determine whether an epidural is right for you. Your doctor will use a special x-ray to find the best and most precise possible location for insertion. The procedure itself is quite brief, typically taking only fifteen minutes or so. You will likely begin to feel the numbing effects of the injection almost immediately.

What is the followup and recovery like for an Epidural?

You will need someone to drive you home following the procedure, as numbness may cause difficulty with walking or coordination. Generally you will have a followup appointment around a week after receiving nerve block treatment to monitor your symptoms and address any side effects which may occur.

What are the potential risks for a Nerve Block?

Complications from nerve block treatment are uncommon but can occur in some cases. Some may have an allergic reaction to the injection. Swelling and redness may occur around the site of the injection, and imprecise injections may cause nerve injuries. An epidural may cause a drop in blood pressure and can have a negative reaction when combined with medications which reduce blood pressure, such as blood thinners or aspirin.

What is a Vertebroplasty?

Vertebroplasty is a minimally invasive surgical procedure, typically performed under local anesthetic, in which bone cement is injected into vertebrae which are cracked or broken. When this cement sets, it strengthens and stabilizes the spine in order to resolve pain and mobility issues.

How do you prepare for a Vertebroplasty?

Your doctor will first perform an x-ray and any other diagnostic tests (such as MRI or CT scan) to locate and determine the nature of your vertebral injury, and decide whether a vertebroplasty is the best path forward. You and your doctor should discuss any medications or supplements you are taking, as well as any personal or family history of bleeding disorders.

Why is a Vertebroplasty performed?

Non-invasive methods are generally preferred for treating pain and impaired function, but a vertebroplasty may be needed if traditional methods such as physical therapy, braces, or medications are not effective. Osteoporosis is one of the most common reasons why a vertebroplasty may be needed, as existing cracks in the bones may cause the condition to accelerate and worsen.

What can you expect during a Vertebroplasty?

The procedure can be performed under either general or local anesthesia, sometimes combined with a sedative. Your doctor will use an x-ray to guide one or more injections of cement into the affected vertebra. You will then lie on your back for around an hour to allow the cement to set.

What is the followup and recovery like for a Vertebroplasty?

You should have someone drive you home following the procedure, but will generally be able to return home within a couple hours of the bone cement setting. While you may feel an immediate improvement in pain symptoms, the effects are often not apparent for up to three days following the procedure. Your doctor may prescribe over-the-counter pain medications to help with short-term symptoms, and will follow up within a few weeks to gauge the success of the operation.

What are the potential risks for a Vertebroplasty?

Complications from vertebroplasty are uncommon and usually not severe, but may in some cases include bleeding, infection, cement overflow from the injection point, and additional fractures to nearby bones. You may experience worsened spinal pain immediately after the procedure, but this is relatively rare and usually goes away within a day or less.

Are there related services to Vertebroplasty?

Kyphoplasty is another vertebral augmentation procedure in which a small balloon is inflated to create an opening in the vertebrae, into which the bone cement is directly injected.