My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", every time you visit WebMD.com you won't have to type your email address and password. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Back and Neck Pain Exchange

What are the best treatments for back and neck pain? Who are the best doctors? ... more

Reply: Worsening Symptoms after Spinal Fusion

I was reading your post and wonder how your health is today. I am having similar...

Posted by mare4christ

20 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Worsening Symptoms after Spinal Fusion I was reading your post and wonder how your health is today. I am having similar...

Back and Neck Pain Discussion

As with the first discussion in this forum my pain started in the area of my left...

Posted by mare4christ

As with the first discussion in this forum my pain started in the area of my left shoulder blade. It started with severe spasms in my back. The doctors injected cortisone into the area with no success. For several years I endured stiff neck, extreme pain in my neck and shoulders, sporadic spasms, loss of sensation in my left hand, and my right hand would fall asleep. Muscle relaxers were my life.
In the year 2000 the pain was beyond my endurance and was finally to see a neurosurgeon. The first of many. The first one indicated there was a herniated disk at C5/6 and surgery would help. The surgery was denied. The next neurosurgeon I was sent to agreed with the first but sent me back to my doctor. I was then sent to a neurologist who sent me to physical therapist which included neck traction using the water bag over the door. This treatment lasted for almost a month with terrible results. I started having spasm like episodes that would start at the base of my neck and slam into my forehead. They would come with no warning and caused problems with driving. This doctor blamed the spasms on my religion, Christianity and sent me back to my doctor.
I was then sent to a pain management specialist. He performed two spinal injections with no success. He refused to do a third and suggested my going back to a neurosurgeon.
I went to another neurosurgeon who performed a MRI in 2002 and found two herniated disks and a bone spur in the spinal canal. Surgery was performed on C5/6 & C6/7. I was better for about 3 months then the pain and loss of sensation returned. C6/7 was operated on again and a plate installed. Things did not get better only worse with intensified pain and severe headaches.
In 2007 C4/5 was operated on and a plate installed.
I have since had an EMG on the right side only. It was not as painful as the pain I endure each day so I am not sure what everyone means when they say this test is so painful. The only one that hurt with great intensity was the probe between the webbing of my thumb and first finger. They say there was not anything significant in the findings.
I have since been on multiple medications and my current doctor has indicated most of my pain is from fibromyalgia. Not sure why my arms and hands fall asleep if the final prognosis is now fibromyalgia. Typing this post has been most difficult as both arms are asleep and my hands not much better.
I have given up on traditional medicine like Lyrica, Cymbalta and all the others to include muscle relaxers with and without Codeine, and multiple pain relievers. Other than being pretty much lethargic in this treatment I was not pain free. I am attempting to use therapeutic oils and pain free yoga to help with the pain classified as fibromyalgia. I am not sure what to do with the spasms and the arms and hands that fall asleep.
In all the posts in this particular forum I have not seen a doctor respond with helpful insights. I hope that some guidance can be provided.View Thread

Posted bymare4christ

0 Replies | Reply | Watch This DiscussionReport This| Share this:Back and Neck Pain Discussion As with the first discussion in this forum my pain started in the area of my left...

See Related Pain Management Communities

See All Communities

Women's Health Newsletter

Find out what women really need.

Other Member Communities

Dieting Club: 10 - 25 Lbs Member Community Share Your Tips and Support!
Caregiving Member Community The Support and Understanding You Need!
Parenting Friends Talking Member Community Get Support from Members Like You!

The opinions expressed in WebMD User-generated content areas like communities, reviews, ratings, or blogs are solely those of the User, who may or may not have medical or scientific training. These opinions do not represent the opinions of WebMD. User-generated content areas are not reviewed by a WebMD physician or any member of the WebMD editorial staff for accuracy, balance, objectivity, or any other reason except for compliance with our Terms and Conditions. Some of these opinions may contain information about treatments or uses of drug products that have not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. WebMD does not endorse any specific product, service, or treatment.

Do not consider WebMD User-generated content as medical advice. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your care plan or treatment. WebMD understands that reading individual, real-life experiences can be a helpful resource, but it is never a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified health care provider. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or dial 911 immediately.