What Causes Feeling Shock Sensations Post Steroid Injection?

Posted on Thu, 18 Sep 2014

Question: Just had my second steroid neck injection between C6-C7.. On my way home I noticed moderate shock like conditions going down both my arms. After getting a home I looked up and it was like a lightning bolt had struck me that scared me to death going down both my arms. Called the nurse and she said it might be muscle spasms and if they had not lessened or gone away by tomorrow morning to call her back. My concern is that it something worse like a my nerves from my bulging disk is causing this. Please let me know what you think.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Monitor..Unlikely to be due to bulging disc!

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms that you have reported. Giving the trend of events, this would be most likely related to the injection rather than a bulging disc. I find it hard to believe that symptoms of a bulging disc would only surface after receiving an injection. The trauma to surrounding soft tissue caused by the needle used in the injection is most likely responsible for these symptoms.

In all, it is unlikely that these symptoms are caused by the injection process and not something else. This should normally regress within 24-48hours. Observe and report the evolution for more insights.

I hope this helps. I wish you well. Thank you so much for using our services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications if need be.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar