Question: Hello, I'm a 42 year old woman. I had ACDF surgery 3 years ago due to C5-C7 herniated discs. Since then, the pain went away down the arm and I healed, got off the pain meds but the pain I feel touching the back of my neck daily is beyond painful. I take more than needed on regular Tyelnol, Midol, Aleve, etc each day. I've eaten healthier, lost weight, work out and the pain has remained...some Good and 1/2 bad but I use Icy Hot, ice packs and cry. I met back with my original surgeon (orthopedic), online Dr, XXXXXXX SC Neuro and an Ortho at Baylor College Medicine in XXXXXXX last summer after having new MRI/CT's done. My original surgeon said it's healed greatly and I'm good. I think he's blowing me off I feel. The other 3 Dr's said my MRI scans show that I never fused from the surgery causing the pain ongoing. My best relief is lying down but owning 2 businesses doesn't allow that to happen too often with busy work schedules and a middle schooler! I have now begun some pain in my neck down the right arm to my ring and pinky finger. Could it be another herniated disc? I fell quite hard taking lights off big tree after Xmas in January but blew it off.
What's my next option? I can take pain well but I"m back to giving up on weekend things because the pain is getting to me. I hate asking for pain pills to get through the bad days. I'm stuck and not sure what direction to go..... ???
Thanks for any insight!!!
XXXXX in South XXXXXXX