[Dawn]

I saw my OS on Friday and he said he doesn't want to Fuse C4 because it wouldn't stop the pain in my neck, arms and shoulder. He is referring me to pain mngt. I've been before and had an epidural. The pain of that procedure wasn't worth the relief I received. What have others gained in pain management? We live near the University of Rochester Medical Center, I'm thinking of looking into a Spinal doctor there that speicalizes in artritis of the spine. 1st I have to get my primary to get me referral, and that takes an act of God. My pain in my arm and neck has gotten me cranky this a.m.

[MooseasaurusRex]

I would definitely follow up on a second opinion on this.

Never had to go through pain management, but I can imagine the hassle you must fight through to just have a "normal day".

I hope you get a permanent fix to this soon.

[Kathi49]

Dawn,

I would definitely get a second opinion as well. I know everyone is wired differently but for me, the C3/C4 referred pain upwards...up the back of my head. It is the levels below that NORMALLY refer pain into the shoulders and arms. Perhaps your OS is referring you to pain management for OTHER types of injections. I have had selective nerve root and facet injections at various levels but never an Epidural. My PM will NOT do ESI's in the cervical spine. Or, it could be your OS wants to send you to pain management for PT, medications...just conservative treatments. And I can't remember, but what was wrong with the C4?