Experiences with various pain mgmt methods - Pain Management Message Board

Todd297 · 01-07-2004, 02:29 PM

Hi. This is my first post here. A brief history of me:
On 11/16/01 I underwent a C1-C2 fusion (posterior atlanto axial arthrodesis) to repair a seriously unstable cervical spine that had already begun to damage my spinal cord. After nearly four months in a halo, I underwent only 16 therapy sessions, thanks in no part to my HMO. I continued the therapy exercises at home to regain the muscle mass I lost due to atrophy and in a few months began to recover a good deal of strength in my neck. The fusion healed perfectly, the hardware never moved, and I'm left with a foot long scar down the back of my head and a limited range of motion, but the scar adds character and I'm walking on my own two feet so I could live with both of those aftereffects.
A few weeks ago, I began having SEVERE muscle spasms in my right trap which lead down the inner path of my right shoulder blade. The spasms feel like "charlie horses", similar to those one might get in the calves while sleeping. When I wake up, I'm often so tight that I can't turn my head to the right without the pain flaring upa nd shooting into those same areas.
Though I'm going to see my neuro next week, I wanted to see if anyone could offer some insight into various pain management therapies or remedies and his or her experiences with them.
I discussed some options with my GP and decided:
I can NOT take Neurontin because of the possible side effects. Due to my job I can't have anything in my system that might affect my decision making or level of awareness, nor can it make me drowsy.
That also rules our narcotic muscle relaxants.
I stretch, use heating pads, hot showers, massage, and a home TENS unit but to no avail. Though massage helps for a short while, the cramps come back a day later.
I attributed this to the healing process from my surgery since my neuro said it can take years to rebuild all of the muscles they cut through.
My GP thinks this is the residual pain my surgeon told me I would have and that I should talk to him (which I am next week).
Any experiences with medications and injections would be greatly appreciated so I can offer input to my doctor.

pain research · 01-07-2004, 10:51 PM

Hi Todd

I would be shouting for a new MRI, ASAP!

If all is still OK in there, then you might try trigger point injections. But first, I'd want to know that there wasn't a new problem. The reason I say this is that I woke with those same symptoms, and it was a slipped disc in my neck. Doctor said the pain was from arthritis/spurs pressing on the nerves, but the pain came on suddenly, and I knew it was the disc.

Lily

meb1957 · 01-08-2004, 07:11 AM

Just be careful ,careful and even more careful with the pain medication. My son is now an addict due to the pain he has suffered for years both before and after a spinal fussion. We are dealing with the problems now. No one seems to know the answer for helping with the pain and yet not giving him drugs. Be sure to always think twice and explore all the options. Good Luck to you!!

carol632 · 01-08-2004, 08:25 PM

I agree with pain research...you should have an MRI..this does not sound like residual pain. If your neuro won't order one, I think I would look for another opinion. Good luck.
Carol

Todd297 · 01-08-2004, 10:37 PM

I thank you for your opinions. I'll certainly post after my next visit.

Meb1957- I appreciate the concerned opinion. I don't take narcotic medication because I'm a police officer and for obvious reasons, can't be affected by them while working. It's nice to have for those days off though when pain decides to rear it's head.