The 5 Aggravating Factors of Neck Pain, Back Pain, and Sciatica: Degenerative Disc Disease

[Mrsteddyz]

have had 2 discetomies, and 360 degree fusion of L-5 S-1 with some relief, am now suffering horrible neck pain on Left side. could fusion be causing this pain? have been diagnosed with ddd, spinal stenosis. Doctors will not give pain meds, any solutions? Neck is very swollen, and losing hearing in L ear, have dr appt in 2 weeks to schedule yet another mri, do not want more surgery, but can't deal with pain, am under 40 yrs.

[JohnZajaros]

@Mrsteddyz Unfortunately or fortunately (depending on how you look at it) I am NOT a medical doctor. I am/was a physical anthropologist specializing in age-progressive phenomena affecting the spine and sacroiliac. Get the MRI. If your symptoms are that bad and your doctor doesn't act after the MRI, ask to see a neurologist immediately! Neurologists are not as quick to cut as the orthopedic surgeons are...so you may have an out. In the meantime use ICE often! A simple ice bag several times a day!

[JohnZajaros]

@Mrsteddyz Ice will reduce the inflammation. Try Ibuprofen. Again, I'm NOT an MD or a DO but the OTC dosage is low. I take 1000mg. Try sleeping in a recliner, head straight. Or sleep on your side in the fetal position with 1 or 2 pillows between your legs, 1 at your side to keep you from rolling onto your stomach, and 1 or 2 under your head to make sure your spine is level and your head is lined up with the rest of the spine. Make sure everything is straight. That will help you sleep! ICE & ICE!

[Mrsteddyz]

@JohnZajaros Thank you for the reply, I am using ice as much as I can stand. It does help, but as soon as I remove it, the pressure and pain come back, sleeping is impossible, I am hoping that as soon as I get the mri done they look at it, because there is no way that there isn't something very wrong. I will let you know what happens, thanks again!