I had several and each time I was sedated. My new dr told me they can do it without sedation. I haven�t needed one in a few years so I don�t know what it would be like awake.

A few and cant complain

I had two steroid injections into the L5/S1 vertebrae region. One in Nov of 2017 and one in dec. of 2017. The spine surgeon gave specific locations for the injection and the pain Management Doc had to follow the orders exactly. I was put under both times because they do not want you to move at all when they fly the needle into the location. This was done on an Xray table. The Doc wore a lead lined vest because the needle was positioned in place while the xray was live. Each shot did well for me for about 3 weeks but that was it. So I had Fusion surgery in May of 2018. I suppose it would depend on where on the spine and how close to the spinal cord on whether or not they knock you out completely. I am lucky though and the sodium propofal agrees with me well. No side effects at all. I wake up fine and ready to move on.

Should have done C-Sections IMO. But I support you being a surrogate.

I would advise you based on my surgical scrub days that you may experience a massive headache following the procedure, and would absolutely recommend anesthesia as any sudden movement/jerking during the procedure can have bad consequences

Best of luck to you sir,

dafanman

My Dr said he preferred for his patients to be under because of this reason. I didn�t argue and have been under every time.

Whether or not they put you under is really determined by where your nerve problem is located. Your spinal cord is a grouping of nerves and they are surrounded by a sack filled with spinal fluid. When they give you this injection, they stick the needle inside the sack and bath the entire area around the nerve with a steroid that numbs and relaxes the nerve. So when the nerve is pressed up against a bone or disc or something there may not be much fluid surrounding it. Or it could be in a funny angle where the doc can't get the needle very close to the nerve. Whenever this happens, the nerve doesn't get fully bathed with the steroid and the shot is not as effective.

Some people get full coverage and it can last 6 months or longer. When I got mine, I had partial relief that afternoon. But 24 hours later the effects had completely worn off. It's worth a shot to avoid surgery, but you just won't know how much it will help until you try.

Me 2 weeks ago getting an injection and about to go under. Hairnet is a tad bit of overkill for my cueball head. My back doc won�t do it any other way because of the precise needle placement. Stacking a second injection on top next week. Hope it buys me another year or so before they need to cut and fuse. Fingers crossed. Hope yours goes well Rick.

I ran the C-Arm (xray machine in surgery) at the Kaufman Hospital for many, many spine injections. get the local. there is no need to be put under other than to bill your insurance for the cost of being put under. I've imaged c-spine- tailbone injections. the local will be a needle that is put into the same location all the way to the vertebral joint space... so it all gets numb. I have seen many people get the injections without lidocaine.... and it makes me cringe when they are groaning in agony. get the local.
spinal injections are big money makers for the hospital, and they do provide relief to the patient.

Decide carefully!!!

If they do a local and it starts to be too unbearable pain wise, they can't stop and then put you under. You either have to grin and bear it or stop and then they have to reschedule your procedure.

I have had eight injections in my lower back and have always been put under so there was no issues. I have a high pain tolerance (being married 32 years proves that!!!) but that procedure wigs me out about doing it awake so I get the happy juice.

Plus you get to hear all the crazy stories of what you were like when you start coming around. Apparently, I like to hit on the lady nurses and told the male nurse "Dude, I'm hungry so can you go thru a drive-thru and get me something to eat?" He got me a Diet Coke and some crackers so I was like "Dude, you're the greatest and you rock!!!" I want my wife to record me on video so I can see it as well.

I have had 2 in last 4 weeks. 2 were to see if it worked so I could have the procedure where they burn the nerves in my spinal cord to stop pain in my back and legs. I had the burn the nerves thing done , it has helped about 30% of pain gone, not what I think it should be, I was hoping for more relief.
I had the lidocaine injection so I would not move on the table when they gave me the burn thing injection. Im still waiting for moree relief, going for my 2 week check up tommorow see what happens.

I have had more than a couple in the low neck area this year. Unfortunantly I got no relief and surgery is the other option. Hopefully you will fair better with your procedure. Prayers sent

Prior to having my spinal fusion I had to get a myelogram. You want painful, holy moly that hurt. To make matters worse my spinal fluid leaked which causes the worst migraine headaches you could ever imagine. Four days later they had to do a plug which involves drawing blood and injecting it into the same spot they did the myelogram. That was just as painful but the headache was gone in seconds.

You girls need to grow a pair.

C4 thru C7 disk bulging disk.
Get a local and be gone in 10 minutes.

This is this morning injection.

I've got more needle tracks on my lower back than a drug addict.