No diagnosis- long term pain!

[Sara72]

Hi!  This is my first post to medhelp.  About 2 1/2 years ago I injured my neck, though I am still uncertain how I did so.  I believe it was work-related, constantly with my phone crunched to my shoulder at my computer all day.  One day I froze up and couldn't move, was in agony.  I went to the ER and was told I had cervical torticollis and given pain meds and sent home.  I followed up with an orthopedic doctor who sent me for MRI and x-rays. My MRI showed some spondylitic changes between my C5-C7 and some herniation/protrusion, but in his opinion, nothing that should constitute the amount of pain I was in.  After a few months of seeing him and being given muscle relaxants and pain pills, he referred me to a pain management center.  I have been there for 2 years now, getting epidural and trigger point cortisone injections every 3 months or so.  I am on MS Contin (down to 75mg/day from 90mg/day, at my request) and Norco 10/325 for breakthrough pain, along with Baclofen.  Most days this helps a lot, but there are many days where the flare-ups are so bad I am in agony.  I do have some nerve pain (feels like my funny bone was whacked really good, down through a couple of fingers), but nothing like the pain I have in my neck/trapezius area.  I have been to neurologist who conducted an EMG (?) on me and was told I really don't have nerve damage.  I'm grateful for the doc I have at the PMC, as without these meds I would really be in agony, but I am sick of not really knowing what is wrong?? Don't know who else to see at this point.  I am very close to some excellent hospitals, but when I finally went to a doc at a renowned center, the second he saw the meds I was on, it was like I had a catchy disease.  My MRI disc didn't work that I brought, and rather than take a 2nd trip 2 hours away to feel like an inferior 2nd-class-citizen, I didn't go back.  I am also going for TMJ evaluation tomorrow, newest development of mine.  I am sitting at work now with heating pad around my neck.  So sick of this.  Anybody have any ideas what is going on?  Does this sound like a simple herniated disc?  I wake in so much pain every day.  Am considering seeing a rheumatologist- the only 'ologist' left, I think!  It is nice to see other people who can understand what I feel.  I think sometimes people think I just need to suck it up.  I wish it were so simple.  I'm only 36 and feel 80 some days!

[selmaS]

U r welcome......if u want to try something to reduce cost and extend the effectiveness of ur shots there is a book by Bonnie Prudden called The Pain Erasure Method......and it uses and teaches accupressure on the trigger points.....it is effective and was developed for fibromyalgia pain.

Get the book thru a public library.....and give it a try.

Keep us posted on ur progress!!

"selma"

[Sara72]

Hi Selma- yes, it was cervical spine only.  I have results but need to dig them out! Last one was well over a year ago.  The ESI's I receive usually help (if he gets it spot on) along with the trigger points, but it seems they last less and less time now.  Am going again next week for new injection after only 8 wks since my last one.  And they are expensive!  When I'm in great pain, it's like somebody whacked me with a baseball bat across my neck.  But the burning in my neck/trap area is excruciating sometimes!  Other days I'm not bad at all. Getting sick of it all, though.  I try to stay active, but sitting at a desk for 8-9 hrs a day doesn't help either.  Will get around to finding my results and let you know what they say.  I'm not sure if the injections could even be weakening the area that was already bad?  Thanks for responding!

[selmaS]

Hi was ur MRI of ur cervical spine only?

And was the protrusion and herniation referring to disks?

If u have a copy of ur reports did u include everything that was on it?

Have u tried a spine specialist?

"selma"