Hello,

Kind of coming to my wits end and thought I would try this forum for help and information.
Had a head on car accident almost a year ago. Had neck and back pain from accident. Neck pain became worse as time went by. Had headache 24/7 that aspirin only dulled(3 large bottles over 3 month period-Excedrin maximum strentgth) and did not touch actual neck pain. 5 months after accident had MRI that showed "c5-6 small to moderate sized left paracentral dorsal disc herniation with minimal spinal cord compression." and "c6-7 a broad based dorsal disc bulge with dorsally projecting osteophytes extending to both exiting neural foramina. There is mild spinal cord impingement and mild bilateral exiting neural foraminal stenosis." I have tried physical therapy, chiropractic, yoga, and 3 nerve blocks in 3 different areas. Last nerve block relieved symptoms for 3-4 hours stopping headache and lessening neck pain some. But after 3-4 hours the pain came back and actual neck pain is worse than ever, even though headaches are about 80% of the severity before but they are gradually getting worse as well and they are still 24/7. Losing more sleep than before last nerve block and I am not sure what to do next. Any suggestions? Scared of fusion but I am thinking of considering disc replacement, at both levels, which is not FDA approved yet. I am 50 years old and starting to think this in not going to get better by just waiting. I have limited movement and lifting altogether. I do not have symptoms of radiculitis yet but my left shoulder has become painful to movement recently. My orthopedist said surgery would be a consideration after the last nerve block. Should I get second opinion from neurologist? If moving on to surgery: Neurologist or Orthopedic surgeon? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks.

Hi, Rico! Welcome to NeuroTalk!

Sorry to learn of your difficulties. You have found a caring and supportive community here at NT. Please feel free to join in anywhere.


Here is a link to our spinal disorders forum: http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Hi Rico,

Welcome I am glad that you found us. And I am sorry to hear about your pain. I only have a slight bulge at c5/6 and I know the pain it can casue.

I see that Cindy already gave you the link to our spinal forum.

I am also going to give you the link to the TOS forum given some of your shoulder issues because where your injuries are likley involve a nerve called the long thoracic nerve whcih comes off the nervs C5-7. This nerve innervates your shoulder for movement.

Here is the link to the TOS forum. We have some great stickes at the top with articles and doc lists etc. You might want to search

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/fo...aysprune=&f=24

I am also including a post on the long thoracic nerve as well.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...thoracic+nerve

Please let us know if we can help with anything else.




P.S. If you are thinking about surgery to your neck a neuro/spinal surgeon would be better, just my opinion though.

Hi Rico! Sorry you are having so much pain. I have chronic neck pain and when it's really acting up, it's miserable. Hope you can find some relief soon and some helpful info here.

NT is a great source for info, advice and friendship. Glad to have you w/us.

Rico,

Hello and welcome to NeuroTalk. Great to see you have come to be with us. You will find a great number of caring, supporting members here willing to help each other as they can.

Again welcome, looking forward to seeing you around.

Darlene

One big warm, tight, hug, handshake and howdy, moose-size official type welcome to the site. This place is amazing!

I truly hope you can find relief from the pain soon.

Please keep us posted.