Small fiber neuropathy/Mayo Clinic
 

Hello, I'm a newbie! Just turned 49 and have suffered with neck and head pain for 3 years. Pain Management performed several cervical and occipital radio frequency ablations over the past few years which had been less and less helpful with more side effects. Finally diagnosed with SFN via skin biopsy in February because I begged for help knowing something was wrong with me neurologically. So far tests are only indicating B12 deficiency. I cant help but wonder if all of my ablations created or added to SFN. You know, which came first thr chicken or the egg?! Anyone have any knowledge on this?

What kind of head & neck pain? Can you describe it?
Was any PT tried or PT evaluation?

Any past head or neck injury or whiplash?
Repetitive strain or desk work/gaming/phone overuse / looking downward a lot?
Those can strain the neck muscles..
The head forward postures with shoulders hunched or rounded forward can impinge on muscles, blood flow & nerves in the neck/chest areas.

If any of these might apply see our TOS forum & sticky threads there..
https://www.neurotalk.org/forum24/

Repetitive computer/desk work for 26 years. Done it all...chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, physical therapy (several times over), epidurals, ablations, excercise, diet change, supplements. 3 spine doctors and they all say no surgery just pain management and self care. I also have chronic migraine which factors in and I was diagnosed with Fuch's dystrophy (corneal disease) at 40 which meant cornea transplants and cataracts at 43. Long story short, I'm a mixed bag and the SFN is my biggest challenge yet. Being preparations to visit Mayo Clinic, MN.

Don't downplay the B12 deficiency - that can cause some serious neurological issues. If low, the doctors should be able to give injections to bring you up quick - then maintain it using the methylcobalamin form of B12. BTW I was also diagnosed with Fuchs, and can no longer drive at night. I'll most likely be getting the transplants this fall.

Thank you for responding! I am receiving B12 injections. Got me up to par and now being retested to see if I have stayed there. My guess is not, by the way I feel. I'm sorry to hear of your Fuchs. I too could no longer drive at night. Visually, transplants and cataracts were the BEST things I could have done however, I remained with continued extreme photophobia. No Dr. can explain why. Maybe migraine or SFN play a a role?? Unfortunately, I still can not drive at night due to lights and contrast. So, my poor husband drives "Miss Daisy" around at night, because of lights and contrast, and now day time too as the neuropathy pains my hands. Best of luck to you in the fall with your procedure!!!