I've finally decided to 'join' the NeuroTalk community - have been on many times as a guest. So why - here is the short version:
Have had spine/back pain all of my life (13 yrs 'till now) - my lower back was always 'picky' and I would be dropped to my knees for something as simple as picking up a dust bunny - this would happen a couple of times a year. Fast forward:
18 - 28 Thoracic pain - Orthos no help - Neuro did MRI found bulging discs between T3 and T6 - Meds helped eliminate pain (pamelor)
31 - 37 Carpal Tunnel - WC kept telling me no - got my own doc - said yes - did bi-lateral release (by this time the left hand also developed CT) Have not problem since , although the latest Nerve Conduction study showed 'minimal right carpal tunnel'.
41 - 44 pain in lumbar region, extreme pain down left leg, MRI revealed bulging disc, spinal and bi-lateral recess stenosis (moderate to severe L5-6. Had a L5-6 fusion (with autograft) 3/5/2005 with BEAUTIFUL results - only need to keep doing stretching exercises to remain pain free
39 - 46 Neck Pain - right side from behind the ear, to the crook of my neck (especially painful if I tilt my head to the right) to my shoulder, to my bicep, finally numbess and dumbness in hand during the last 12 mos. also developed a 'pulling' sensation on lower right jawline. Did 5 Epidurals in 2006 - they made the pain worse permanently - Nerve Conduction test showed 'Chronic C5-6 Nerve Root irritation' had ACDF C4-5, 5-6 on 4/9/2007 - no pain on right side for two weeks, then the pain came back with a vengance - working with top ortho to try and resolve. Weird - when pain is at it's most and I bend over, then stand up - the pain is a level ten upon straightening up (the bending over is no prob) - 2.5 week post-op X-Ray shows good placement of the plating (Swift). I am currently in the process of weaning myself off of the soft collar and am scheduled to see the Ortho in 4 weeks.