Donna - First -Welcome - I read your other post, but I do not have issues in the areas that you do, and so I was not going to comment. Its just one of my principles. Most of us only comment on things we have direct experience with.

The success stories -dont get as much air play, because they are off living thier lives, having regained what they lost with the injury. Those that have problems, are continually looking for solutions to deal with the aftermath. Hence what you see here. There are many success', and I am sure that they will comment.

I do have severe stenosis, at L3 area, and so I know what that feels like, no fun! I am on meds to control the pain. It makes it bearable, but attitude is what decides for me how bad it is. Most every day is sunny for me, I know what to expect and I LIVE my life to enjoy the moments.

Cheers! I hope your weekend has been good! David

I haven't seen your other post but know that severe means getting a second or third opinion by a Spine Specialist. It's rough you've had severe pain for so long. I hope a Dr. can help you. Take care. Charry

First let me say welcome to spine-health. You may want to post in the neck forum, as there are so many others in your condition posting there.

As far as surgery helping or not helping depends on how bad the situation is. I have had a three level cervical fusion all though through multiple surgeries. The question is if I am happy I had it. Most certainly. Success in the eye of the beholder as far as surgery goes. My fusion are fused and solid. Do I still have pain, yes. The thing I will never know is if I had waited longer would I have been paralized.

What type of pain are you having where is it located? Have you had a surgical consult and if so what did the surgeon suggest. If not I suggest you seek out the advice of either a NS or a ortho who has a fellowship in spines. Not that I am saying you need surgery, but rather seek the advice of a professional and see what you could be risking. There are other conditions that you don't want it to turn into in the cervical spine such as myelopathy. That is not reversible and can only be addressed surgically.

Unfortunately you are in the age category where it is typical to see problems in the spine. Anyone after the age of 30 is going to show some issues. However it is all dependent on wether those problems become symptomatic or not. So while you may have may levels showing things, that is not uncommon but possible only one level is the culprit, for your pain.

Since a steriod pac does work for you at times, they could try putting a injection in to see if you would get longer relief from it, or even possible. But I think first is to go see a spine surgeon and let them decide how bad your condition is, and what the best coarse of treatment is. You may want to look at cervical spinal stenosis to help in understanding as well.

Anyway sorry we missed ya, and once again welcome to spine-health. Keep us posted on what you decide to do. Take care

I think that I did respond to another post that you have on the board. My issues are in the lumbar area but still include lots of pain. I am a strong advocate of trying all of the minimally and non invasive stuff before ever considering surgery unless your issues are too risky to avoid surgery. Surgery comes with no guarantees and could possibly make your pain worse. Last I heard the odds are 50/50. You and your doc are the only ones that can really make that decision. Good luck on whatever you decide to do and please keep us posted.