Hi Gunny,

First I want to thank you for serving our country! If I may ask have you seen a neurosurgeon at all? If not see one and try getting steroid shots if you haven't yet. This will kill the pain for 2-3 months. Another thing you can do is have ultrasound therapy done and it doesn't hurt at all. The therapist will put a clear cream on your skin and then put a ultrasound device around the area where you are feeling pain and this kills the pain for a few days. I had it done when I had back and neck injuries from a car accident. Try taking vitamin B12 1000 mcg. once a day the B12 helps calm the nerves and it works great for me for my back and also my seizures since I have had epilepsy.
You mentioned that you don't notice much of this pain until it's later in the day what you may need is just more light and that in turn gives off serotonin. I found this out from my Dr. because I have more seizures in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer when there's more light and serotonin. I know it sounds crazy but give it a try and sit around bright lights later in the day and see if that helps. I wish you the best of luck and May God Bless You!

Sue