I have two slipped discs (C6,C7) and a bad nerve root, other than that I dont know how to describe my problems all that well. I do have a horrible spasm in the muscle in left shoulder that just wont go away no matter what I try. I've been to pain clinics, used tens units, had facet block injections (they failed) and am going to a spine center for PT. Other than that everyone on this site seems to know the names of each muscle, so many of the treatments available, etc. I just don't seem to be able to follow what's being said all that well even with my background in hospital pharmacy as a tech. for ten years before I became disabled. I want so much to learn more about my condition as the doctors I'm working with don't seem to care to educate me much and I'm trying to learn on my own so I can help myself. Is there a place on this site that explains alot of the abbreviations for disorders that are used, names of the muscles and where they are, and what treatments ppl here are discussing? I would say I'm a fairly intelligent woman, had very high grades in hs and college, but with this illness I am totally lost. I've only been dealing with this one for a few years now and havent been going to the right places up until recently ( I hope ). I really don't want to try surgery unless it is a last resort. I am new to this site as well and am grateful for finding it but seem to have problems navigating my way around. I just look at the new posts to find the illness that I want to post to. Is that correct? I have several other illnesses that this site addresses as well and have already received so much help from the few responses I've been given. Ty everyone!! May your days be filled with peace instead of pain...