Having Headaches, Tiredness And Head Feels Very Heavy. Had 3 Steroid Injections. How Long Will This Continue?

Posted on Sat, 22 Jun 2013

Question: I had 3steroid injections in my neck 3days ago. I think its called facet or something like that.I had headaches the first two days which have subsided ,am extremely tired is that normal?Also pain is less in my neck and shoulder for a couple of hours then its as if my head is too heavy for my neck.How long til it kicks in I have follow up this week.

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (1 hour later)

Hi,

Thanks for your query.

You have had steroids injected into your facet joints and this is a common form of treatment for chronic neck pain and usually produces significant relief of the pain. What you describe are recognized side-effects of the steroid injections. It is not uncommon to feel generally worse for a few days before beginning to feel well. Your neck pain may worsen and you may experience headaches or a bloated feeling.

If you are suffering pain then you can take your usual pain medication until the beneficial effects of the injections start.

I would expect the positive effects to have kicked in by your follow-up appointment in a week.

I hope this has been of help to you. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Regards,
Dr K A Pottinger
MBChB

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Kerry Pottinger (54 minutes later)

I am a flight attendant and am wondering how soon it is safe to return to work my head feels so heavy.

Will the altitude, or lifting of bags ,pushing carts have an adverse affect on my neck. How soon can I expect the heaviness I feel in my neck from my head to go away?

Answered by Dr. Kerry Pottinger (27 minutes later)

Hi,

Thanks for writing back.

I would recommend that you only return to work when you feel back to normal health. Otherwise you will struggle with the physical aspects of your job. The altitude would not affect the progress of your recovery but lifting bags and the long periods you spend on your feet may be difficult to cope with if you go back to work before you feel well again.

Wish you good health.

Dr K A Pottinger

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T