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.

Not sure what you mean by "positive".

Doc

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

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