@franknstein unfortunately it's gone too far for me already. The shots aren't working anymore and the pain has gone beyond unbearable. Since Mayo can't see for soooo long I've been researching neurosurgeon's in the Central FL area. One of the doctor's that saw me, before I tried to get into Mayo, finally showed me and explained exactly where I am.The growths are actually pressing into the spinal cord. The severe edema it's causing is contributing to the additional pressure and consequently the severe nerve pain. How long have you been getting the cortisone shots? No one ever ordered physical therapy to me. I wonder why. I've been willing to try anything for several years. I've been getting the shots since 2007 or 8.