There have been amazing strides in spine surgery. In the right hands, (VERY IMPORTANT), spinal surgeries are far less painful and have much better outcomes than we could have imagined a decade or two ago.
I don't know where you live or what sort of health insurance you have but I will give you a name of one recommended by a very smart orthopedist, who has recently reviewed spine surgery approaches. I have absolutely no connection to Dr. Riew.
There are many others but you want someone who is up on the latest techniques.
Dan Riew, MD at Columbia
@tgraf66, I'm sorry to hear that you are experiencing chronic neck pain. I've lit a candle and am praying for your healing. I pray that your waking hours and sleep will be peaceful and pain free. May you be divinely guided to the best medical team who can successfully and permanently resolve this health issue.
@deetoo I am unfortunately on the opposite coast. 🙃 However, I am very close to Stanford, and they have some of the best in the world.
@tgraf66, it was actually @raincloud who mentioned Dr. Riew at Columbia.
I forgot to mention in my earlier post that my brother-in-law had neck surgery almost 15 years ago at Johns Hopkins. The surgery was very successful and he's doing well.
I'm really glad you live in an area with access to excellent health care. Please keep us posted on how you're doing.
@tgraf66 🙏🏻💜🪽💜🙏🏻
@tgraf66 Neck pain is the absolute worst. Sending you lots of love and light. I hope you are better soon.
@deetoo Sorry, I was a bit drugged up when I sent that. ;-)
Ok, Christopher Ames, MD, Praveen Mummaneni, MD at UCSF which has a huge neurosurgery department and I am sure there are many others that are good, too. The two I mentioned give talks at medical meetings, show their cases, etc. I am relieved that you are near medical centers; it is scary to turn over your body and its well-being to someone you only meet once or twice. Sort of like an arranged marriage with huge ramifications....
Just a quick update before I go lie down. I spent several hours in the ER tonight with severe pain. Doc there gave me a steroid shot and scripts for Gabapentin, Baclofen (muscle relaxant) and a Medrol dose pack. Going to rest now. Prayers and healing energy appreciated.
@traf66, I'm so sorry. I know how taxing pain can be on the body. I'm sure you're exhausted with it. I'm praying that the medications give you relief while you're waiting to see your doctor.
You are in my daily prayers.