Opiate painkillers do not help my neck

[Markmcp]

Over 2 months have had neck and shoulder injections by a Neuroligist. Neck is still very painful. Opiates do not work. No pain relief. At wits end. What am I to do?

[philnoir]

Shoulder pain can be caused by cervical disease, or by local disease from injury or repetitive stress.

A doctor makes a diagnosis before beginning treatment. What is your diagnosis?

[Markmcp]

Had MRI @3 months ago for sciatica symptoms. Result... Pinched nerve. Had @ 2months ago spinal epidurel. It worked. Pray to God it continues.
Have not had MRI of neck. Dr said go for a flat plate x-ray. Been prescribed Percocet and also Vicodan. Only thing that helps is BioFreeze gel. It works for about 5 minutes. No injuries to speak of. Have had neck shoulder pain on and off for a long time, but eventually went away. This time pain is here to stay. Just getting worse.

[lukesmom653]

I see you are 59. Is it possible that you are suffering from degenerative disk disease? Of course, that would have to be something to ask the neurologist. I also wonder if you have had an MRI. They're expensive, but if you have insurance it usually covers most of it. I am asking about degenerative disease because of the fact that the injections aren't helping and neither are the opiates. May I ask what opiate meds are you on? I would like to have a little more background info on your neck and shoulder pain, i.e., injuries in the past, etc. I'll try to help to best of my ability as a nurse.