Chronic Back Pain for Years

No I’m not what kind of doctor can help me with this

I see a doctor Park who is a neurosurgeon and I see him at mhealth in Minneapolis Minnesota. I failed you at the pain clinic at M health. After along evaluation in intake seeing the number of specialists it was decided that the pain pump was better for me than an implanted stimulator in my spine. I had surgery, was in the hospital for two days when they put in the pump every of the catheter up my spine. I did not experience any post-surgical pain.

I'd like to also join this conversation, please. I have had a variety of surgeries on my neck and spine, and have tried everything imaginable to help with the continued pain. I'm due to try injections, which I am sure is an approach to take before another surgery is done on my spine and neck. But I notice that after each surgery, after time, another disc seems to "go." I'm frustrated and need to find an alternative that may bring relief. I'd like to follow this conversation and seek out experts that have similar issues/concerns. Thank you.

Happy weekend all!
It's been a bit of time since I've written. I'm starting a new phase of my back issues. For those of you who are new or just as a reminder, I've suffered from back pain for years and years. I've gone the shot route, acupuncture, chiropractor, etc. Then one year ago I have 2 cervical discs replaced. It was a quick recovery and all my symptoms were gone (pain, numbness and weakening of arms, hands and fingers). In June 2018 I noticed that the toes on my right foot were not moving up and down, I could not move my foot right to left and both my legs and fee were weak, all in addition to the pain in my back and legs. I had lumbar surgery about 4 months ago. I had an XLift Fusion on L4/5. Horrible, long, painful recovery! BUT....for the first time in years and years pain is gone. I still have osteoarthritis pain all over and fibro, but the other pains are GONE.
Now, my weaknesses in my legs, feet and toes are being investigated. I have no pain, but I fall, need a cane or walker to walk and neuropathy is getting worse and increasing in my left side, too. I've had a lumbar MRI. So far, we know I have more stenosis and the nerves in my back are still very inflamed and they are clumping together. We don't know the cause of either.
On the advice of my neurosurgeon, I went to see a neurologist. It was hard to find a good one in Central Florida, but with research I finally found one. She found that my fingers, toes and mouth palette quiver. I knew about my hands. My mom, son and cousin have that, too. She has ordered an EEG of my legs, even though I already had one. So the fun begins again. I am currently on Prednisone to try to bring down the inflammation. But it looks like I might possibly need more surgery.
Fun, Fun, Fun!
I'll keep you up to date on my journey!
Enjoy your weekend!!!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

@iteachgate
Hi!
I feel your frustration! I was told when I first found out I needed surgery, that IF I had a fusion, there would be a good possibility that more disc surgery would need to be done. Simplified, as I understand it, the weight of the fusion can impact the discs above and below, warranting another surgery. It can be a viscous cycle. For me, shots, etc. were not working, that's why the surgery.
What I have learned during this process.....there is NO one fix!
Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)

I'm so glad that you updated us on your journey, @grandmar. You are really a trooper when it comes to back issues. I realize that you have been through a lot, however, when you listed it all in one post, your journey seems quite remarkable.

I'm hoping that your new doctor will find some help for you. I appreciate the hopefulness that you always exhibit. The way you deal with chronic pain is helpful to us all.

Thank you!!

Hello, @iteachgate, and welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Many of our members have found it informative, encouraging and normalizing to follow threads that mirror their health issues, so I'd encourage you to follow this discussion.

You mentioned having surgeries on your neck and spine. Will you share more about what operations you have had thus far? You also mentioned you notice that after each surgery, after time, another disc seems to "go." Hoping that members like @gailb @grandmar @wsh66 @living_strong @pfbacon will have some perspectives to offer on what you've observed here.

Will you be having injections soon? How are you feeling about them?

I have had two surgeries (fusions) in my neck and am fused from
L-3 to S-1. I continue to have nerve pain down my legs though MRI says all looks fine. My doctor believes the disc above my highest fusion is problematic. I always wonder if I retired and had the time to exercise if I would have the pain and problems I am having.
I’m having numbness and pain in my hands and arms and am scheduled for carpal tunnel surgery and then possibly another surgery for the disc above the last surgery in my neck. Nobody can tell if my issue is from my neck, carpal tunnel, or a combination. Probably a combo.

Please note that I do have one of the top five rated surgeons in the US. But it doesn’t change that I’m still in pain and concerned about my health and future years ahead. My pain management doctor is also well trained but I believe it’s something that may work temporarily, if at all. I think it’s a game we play for insurance to approve surgery. I am a teacher and did not have an injury. I was in yeh grocery business, however, for many years and was not gentle with correct lifting. I continue with teaching to be in a constant position where I am lifting, bending, or twisting with 24 3rd graders.
I hope that helps to paint a vision of what I face on a day to day basis. Thank you for your kind response. Lisa

@iteachgate, welcome to this chat. I am wondering if you have, but think you must have along the way, had much in the way of therapy for stretching you muscles. The last guy I worked with helped with the Radiculopathy I suffered with. It radiated from C=7/C-8 down my right arm and made me very sick to my stomach. The PT stretched my neck over a period of 6 visits and finally my back muscles were freed up. I had done all I knew and asked for PT and he sure was good at what he did. Have had zero return of that particular problem.

BTW...I can't spell big words unless I verify them, so please just use Phonics to pronounce that big word that means a compressed nerve with radiating pain down the arm.