Just for clarification, a saddle block is the name for a sitting spinal anesthetic. For pain management, epidural steroid injections are often used although there are a variety of techniques used in cancer treatments including pain pumps and intrathecal catheters which are small tubes placed into the spinal fluid and then tunneled under the skin to prevent infection. All of these techniques offer their own benefits, are reliable, safe, and generally not difficult or unduly uncomfortable. Although usually not the first line of treatment for cancer pain, they are not considered extreme or end-stage treatments and may offer considerable quality of life benefits (and are uses in lots of non-cancer pain syndromes as well). I have performed many, many of these and have confidence in their safety and efficacy.

I had bilateral medial branch block and facet injections (6 total) at T 4,5 and 6. Lesions caused T5 compression fracture. No more pain and going on one year. No guarantee how long it lasts. Lots of luck.

Yes Jeff, I've had this treatment from our pain management team here in Halifax Nova Scotia. It has worked for me and the treatment lasts for about six months, I should tell you that when the needles are put through your back their isn't any freezing!! If your pain tolerance isn't very high you may want to change your mind. Asap!! I do encourage you that you should try this treatment, it gives you no pain for just about the full six months. Hugs Pat

Typically saddle blocks only anesthetize the perineum and last for a couple of hours. Used to be used in obstetrics until epidural anesthesia became the standard of care, I have never heard of it used to manage chronic pain.

I get a lumbar injection every 6 months. It lasts for about 4-5 months.