Whiplash - Spinal Cord Disorders Message Board

grngupy · 01-21-2004, 12:46 PM

I was involved in a mva 4/2/03. Have been having chronic pain, restricted movement in neck, headaches and facial pain. MRI results were C3,4,5,6 have disc bulges, also have bone spurs. I have been to the chiro,ns and pain management. PM did epidural and facet joint injections with no relief. Also have been going to chiro for deep massages. I have a extremely high pain tolerance so when I am asked what my pain level is (1-10) I usually answer with a 4-5. Probably most people would say 7-8. My PM basically has blown me off. He says that I have arthritis and take Bextra and a pain med(which I refused, dont want to get addicted). He may not want to get involved in litigation. My question is can arthritis cause this amount of pain, will it get worse and can a injury bring onset of arthritis ? I am not sure I like the PM's diagnosis. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks

irish34 · 01-21-2004, 01:04 PM

Grngupy--

You are definitley in the right place. I hope you find the answers you are looking for here. My disc extraction with spinal cord compression at C5-6 was due to an injury, so I am not the right person to answer your specific questions. However, you will find many people here with amazing ideas and suggestions as well as stories for comparison.
Much luck and prayers to you!
I too have avoided the pain meds.

jodawa50 · 01-21-2004, 05:15 PM

Hey grngupy, Not sure how to pronounce that. Doctors do not like people who won't follow advice. I hope you've seen a neurosurgeon. If not get in and see one, if yes what did he say? I live in pain due to Degenerative Disc Disease (otherwise called arthritis) of the cervical spine. Yes it can cause that much pain. My pain doubles every winter due to the damp cold days. I am in a situation where the doctors can no longer help surgically. Pain meds are a god send as without them I would never get out of bed in the winter. Addiction can be beaten, but pain, not always. I avoided meds for years and am now taking between 4 and 8 hundred mg of codein daily. I too was extremely pain tolerant till my body revolted with hypertention and vertigo. I had a choice, lie on my back the rest of my life or take something for the pain. As for the arthritis, it will only get worse with time. Keep in mind they are not recreational drugs but medications to better the patient. In my case addiction is the least of my worries. Your Dr sounds questionable too. Good luck eh.

grngupy · 01-21-2004, 11:51 PM

Hey Jodawa50, the name is short for green guppy( my cars name). I own a sassy grass green 71 cuda and thats her name. Kinda strange I know. Regarding my pain, I am hoping that I can get back to how I used to feel before my accident. I kinda starting to think that it wont happen. Some doctors sort of treat you like you are a leper, that is so wrong. Somedays I feel like I am the one who's nuts. Like everyone on this boards says"If you look good you can't be hurting". As far as I am concerned no amount of insurance compensation is worth this!! Thanks All & take care!