Hello Chuck,

I had the injections in my spine for several problems caused by osteoarthritis and found that they only worked for 6 - 9 months.  It wasn't worth the cost and trouble and didn't  lower the pain level by much.  I guess it was better than nothing but something like vicodin also really lowers the pain level but my pain doctor wouldn't allow me to take it.  I asked for an alternative to the injections and was sent to P.T. which has helped more than the injections.  I even had that radio frequency ablation which only left a numb spot on the surface of my back.

Sounds like you have a classic case of CRPS from the injuries sustained in the accident probably from a damaged nerve for sure. As far as the nerve block that last for a year goes they are can be done in several way bt all include destrying the nerve and I don't recommend them for sure as you mentioned it will only stop the pain for a year and the reason why is our bodies want to heal once damaged and the nerve will grow back. Nnow this is the problem with this procedure in the fact in the process of the nerve growing back it will form instead of the one main connection it had and from multiple what are called neuromas leading to several misfiring nerve endig when it heals making the pain possibly even worse and harder to control for sure a year from now. It is a procedure a lot of Pain Dr still do and I don't know why when they have seen the end result. I mean if the pain is from terminal cancer and you only have a year or so to live it is one thing but i chronic pain at your age that isn't terminal bad decision in my book. They can do a series of epidural blocks and other specific blocks that want damge the nerves and last about three months in decreasing the pain and or try medications to ease the pain at first and then if these don't work go to implanting a pain infusion pump which is generally the last resort and what I am facing now after living with CRPS for right at 9 yrs. I hope this might help but I wanted you to at least know what you are getting yourself into if you get the so called year long block mainly.

God Bless, Jeff

I have had nerve block injections, but for another reason.  I had it for Occipital Neuralgia (severe headache).  It worked only on one side of my head and lasted about 6 months.  I think it varies from patient to patient as to how it works and how long it lasts.  In my opinion, most people will do almost anything to get pain relief, no matter how long it lasts.  For me, I also have Fibromyalgia and other conditions associated with it, so if I can get any relief at all it is worth it.