[Scungileen]

Hi, three years ago I had a laminectomy and foraminotomy at C5/C6 and C6/C7. I have spinal stenosis and a herniated disc. This is just my right side (by the way I am right handed). I also have multiple problems on the left side which I have been told are worse than the right.

This past November of 2013 I noticed that my elbow on the right side was hurting. To make this short, I did massage therapy, acupuncture and then I went to a neurologist. I had another MRI which showed a new osteophyte causing root compression at C6/7. My EMG is not significant and I have good strength and nerve responses. My prior surgeon has retired and I met with another surgeon who agrees with my neurologist that I am not ready for surgery. I should go on Neurontin, keep doing massage therapy and get some pt via the MacKenzie Method. However, I did ask the surgeon if when I was ready he could do another laminectomy and foraminotomy. He said he didn't want to go through scar tissue and he would do a fusion. He said that would also take care of the left side.

I don't want a fusion and hopefully the left side will stay status quo. Are there neurosurgeons out there that will perform this procedure twice. I want minimally invasive surgery with no hardware.

Also has anyone out there done anything positive to relieve the pain when they were not ready for surgery? I just started scar tissue release therapy, but I think it is aggravating the nerves in the area.

I am upset that my previous NYC surgeon retired and I am at a loss as to who I can trust in the future.

[Dr. Smith]

Originally Posted by Scungileen

Also has anyone out there done anything positive to relieve the pain when they were not ready for surgery?

Not sure what you mean by "positive".

Doc

[Scungileen]

What I meant by positive was - did anyone try anything other than Neurontin or prednisone that produced a positive result to ward off the surgery

[Dr. Smith]

I don't know if I'd call it "relieving" the pain as much as coping with it. I think I've been through most of what pain management has to offer.

Things that have helped me:
Physical therapy
Traction
Myofascial trigger point massage
TENS
Positive attitude
Distraction

http://tinyurl.com/2c642oa

Doc