Cervical Spine -- Have tried injections and conservative therapy.

**Pain-In-Fl** · 09-04-2009, 08:41 PM

I am 39 years old. I have 3 cervical herniated discs at the 3-4, 4-5 and 5-6 level, and have had this condition for the past 9 years. I had intermittent pain for the first 8 years, but then it turned into constant pain in my neck that radiates to my shoulders and between my shoulder blades. The first Neurosurgeon I saw said there was nothing he could do for me because the pain I was having did not match up to the disc that was the most protruding, and I didn't have any numbness in my limbs so he could only recommend PT and pain meds to help me manage my life with this. I decided to go for a second opinion with an Orthopedic surgeon, he told me what the other Dr said did not make sense to him, but he didn't recommend I have a 3 level fusion because of the chance of messing up the good discs above and below the fused ones, so he sent me to 12 weeks of PT with no success, and then he had me try a Methylprednisolone dospak which I had a few months of relief from, but does not work anymore, he then sent me for facet joint injections, and that didn't work, so now he is saying there is nothing more he can do for me. I am not having the best of luck with Doctors, that's for sure. I am very confused, and in constant pain.

Sandy

**Katie** · 09-04-2009, 09:29 PM

Hi Sandy,

I really hope you can find the doctor you need to give you a good diagnosis.

It has taken me almost four years to finally get some answers I can trust about my cervical and lumbar, so I understand how difficult it is.

But I didn't have the advantage of finding these great support sites on the net when I first started. Another poster here actually recommended my new doctor. Without her, I would still be floundering for help, so networking really does help.

Welcome aboard!

**Pain-In-Fl** · 09-04-2009, 10:24 PM

For your encouragement. Yeah I'm happy that there are sites like this where we can get support and advice, it makes it much easier on us.
Thanks for the recommendation on this site.

**Katie** · 09-04-2009, 11:23 PM

You're most welcome

There are lots of good people here with some pretty great success stories that I hope they will share with you soon.

**Justin** · 09-04-2009, 11:56 PM

Hi Sandy,

Welcome to the Spine Patient Society!

I'm sorry to read that you've been struggling with cervical spine issues for close to a decade and that you are currently in pain. A question for you (when you have time): what kind of imaging have you had and how recent are these studies?

As Katie mentioned, there are many supportive Spine Patients here. Please make yourself at home, and I hope we can help provide support on your journey to feeling better.

**Cindylou** · 09-05-2009, 12:05 AM

Welcome Sandy.

I am sorry as well for the reasons why you are here, but rest assured, you are among like minded folks all across the spectrum of pain, no pain, intermittent pain, over the top pain, and countless surgery types too. Take some time to peruse through the different forums. There is a wealth of information. And, of course, fire away with questions. I hope you find us to be a supportive, caring community, that can help address your concerns.

**Fuzzy** · 09-05-2009, 12:57 AM

Welcome Sandy.

You have had these problems for a long time. I feel with you. When the conservative treatments fail is the point where we have to ask ourself if a surgery is worth the risk to improve our quality of life. This is a question you have to ask yourself. All will agree that a 3 level fusion should be avoided unless there is absolutly no other way. Many of us fall in that crack of having a lot of pain while the MRI shows a typical degenerated spine that many Dr's rather not operate on for fear that it will not improve or possibly worsen the problem by nature of surgically induced pain. What am I writing here, there are many experts here much better versed at this then me, especially Justin.

Come here for support and do your research which unfortunatly means learning about your condition as much as you can and maybe even more then you would like. I does help to cope with your problem to have knowledge to make informed decisions and at the same time the support of others who have similar problems.

**ajj1001** · 09-05-2009, 03:15 AM

Hiya Sandy, sorry that you have to be here and hope that you find a way past the dead end you have got to with your surgeons.

alison x

**KBear** · 09-05-2009, 01:11 PM

Sandy. It's me, Kathy, on the other forum. Have you been able to contact Dr. Rolando Garcia yet? He is really a great guy, takes lots of time to explain things to you, spends as much time as needed for each appointment (it was like he had all the time in the world to talk with me). I really liked him. Let me know if there is anything I can help you with.

**Pain-In-Fl** · 09-05-2009, 04:06 PM

all, for your warm welcome.

Justin - The only imaging that I have had are the MRI's and the most recent was taken and read 1 year ago, I am planning on having another one done soon. When I go to a new Dr. the MRI can't be over 1 year old.

Kbear - I haven't contacted Dr Garcia yet, I am a little confused because I have 2 other Dr's recommended by the last Orthopedic surgeon I saw, 1 is Dr Isador Lieberman at the Cleveland Clinic, and the other is Dr Nathan Lebwohl at University of Miami Hospital. With what you just said in your post, about Dr Garcia taking time with you and treating you with respect, that's very important to me. Do you guys think I should go to each one of them and compare what they all say, is that how most people do this?