As far as your asking in your nicely worded letter if there were "injections that completely numb you from the waist down for a time to allow for a respite in pain", I wanted to pass on that I had temporary relief when I was given a nerve block of anesthesia. It was part of the process in seeing if they are targeting the right problem nerve when I go in for my upcoming cervical fusions. I experienced nice pain relief for approx. one week. Maybe if they know the nerve(s) that are causing your pain, if that is indeed the cause, you get get some nerve blocks with anesthesia? I know that they often add in a steroid with the anesthesia when they do regular nerve blocks.

I don't know if that would be an option for you. Just wanted to mention it in case it could offer you some relief, although it is temporary.