I am sorry to hear that you had such trouble after C-5 being worked on. Usually the upper body, arms, upper neck and shoulders are effected by cervical issues. Lower back trouble usually involves the leg, hip area. The other post may be right that there is some other involvement in your condition other than cervial issues. I had never heard of the proceedure you had to burn with trying to trick your stem core. I had something called Katamine infussion, that really helped me and did not hurt very much to administer. I was fused C3-7. It takes a long time after surgery of any kind on your neck to feel better. I hope you will seek all the opinions you can get Don't give up with trying to find some relief. I know you don't like the medication, but It is better than suffering needlessly. Take them until an answer can be found and don't feel bad about it. I am glad you found neuro talk. There are alot more people who know more about these cervical issues than I do. I wish you all the best. ginnie