Hi Bob. I know how frustrating it can be. You dont know who to trust and everyone has a different view on how to treat it. I have been told by some Drs. that you should never let anyone touch the primary area of RSD-yours being your arm. Other Drs. say if there is an injury causing the RSD that to do surgery to stop the vicious cycle. When they found your tear did they tell you it was not bad and just needed a cortizone shot and PT, or did your MRI show a bad tear that needed surgery? Dont trust w/c Dr. they will do the least possible. As you know cortizone shot is just to help with inflammation and doesnt last for long. The spinal cord stimulator surgery can also cause spreading of RSD. They will first do a trial SCS and see how much it helps you before doing a permanent implant. I had the trial and it helped but i had such fears of it spreading that i didnt do it. Some have good success-check the scs site here. momof4