that a threshold for the electrical diagnostic tests exists. That some symptoms may be below the markers for them. That they only show damage when some is already there, but not in the very early stages.

I had the same tests repeated though Mrs. D....about a year later after the first round. That's why I said I need to get copies of EVERYTHING. I just wasn't getting copies at that time other than just billings. Now I know better. I do remember seeing in my chart some long, lengthy test results; just neglected to ask her for copies...my own fault.

Again, there are no deficiencies nor anything autoimmune. So, I trust her judgement. She is a very, very good and truly bent over backwards to figure this all out. So, for now, it is just a matter of managing it in various ways. Spinal injections for one, help the most! And it is my spinal PM who does those...when warranted.

I guess my point is...she is right...I just need to take the meds and do whatever it takes to manage it. Aqua therapy helps a great deal as well. And now that I have started the Fentanyl patch, it too, has helped...very much. It just wears off before the 72 hours are up.

I dont know the specifics of your case. I have 5 or herniated discs in the lumbar and 3 in the cervical. I had the steroid shots in the lumbar and they didnt help but what did was acupuncture. It helped the pain in my lower back greatly and even when i throw it out it bounces back much more quickly. Accupunture doesnt do anything for PN but maybe with nerve impingement it helps.

Joe,

I am glad the accupuncture helped you! That was one of many things I tried conservatively for 3 years but it didn't do squat. I just ended up looking like one of those pin head guys from those Hellraiser movies! Accupuncture DID help with spasms but that was about it. Traction didn't help either. Guess my neck was just too far gone. That is, until my PM actually shot up the C3/C4...that is when I really got relief.

No, in all seriousness it is usually facet or selective nerve root injections that helped and still do for other areas. The ONE ESI I had done didn't do a thing.

Well im glad you are getting relief. Im getting a shot myself on may 30. same area. i feel like a pin cushion sometimes oh and dont wind up in ccu then you really get the pin the tail on the donkey treatment.

Sorry Joe,

If am a bit slow at the moment. Are you saying you are getting a shot at the C3/C4? If so, do you know what TYPE? I forgot to clarify that the ESI I had done was in the lumbar; my PM will NOT do ESI's in the neck and explained why as well.

yes im getting a steroid injection at c4 c5. why wont your PM do it? something i should know? ha

Joe,

His first words were, "...because he would rather land a jet fighter on a runway than on a postage stamp!" But he explained right after that that there is great risk puncturing the dura, etc., etc. Overall, just very dangerous to do. Although I have heard of others saying they have had an ESI in the cervical spine.

The impression I get is that you are either having a facet or selective nerve root injection. And he DOES do them! I know...I have had a few through the years. And good luck with yours! I hope it gives you great relief...they certainly do for me. Just remember two things: it takes about a week or so for the actual steroid to kick in and put a cold pack on your neck as soon as you can. But only keep it on for 25 minutes at a time. It will help with soreness. Good luck!

Seems like a few of us here with spine problems, mines c5 c6 c7 , it is inoperable
apparently a neuro surgeon said, if i want instant relief i get either the old chinese accupunture or lazor accupunture, otherwise i get by on very strong magnets.

Brian i know you have posted about the magnets that you use, but could you please post them again. Its for my wifes leg actually. Thanks.