I dont know what to do about my pain
This is probably a long one, but I've been having so many issues with my back and neck for literal years. I've done all the things...PT, injections, pain meds, massage, chiropractic care. I had a recent MRI of my entire spine showing:
Osteophytes and neural foraminal narrowing and decrease in diameter of the thecal sac at C3-4
Posterior disc bulge, slight facet arthrosis and neural foraminal narrowing at C4-5
Posterior disc bulge, slight facet arthrosis with osteophytes and annular fissures at C5-6
Posterior disc bulge with osteophytes at C6-7
Posterior osteophyte formation with slight narrowing of the left neural foramen at C7-T1
Posterior disc bulge at T3-4
Posterior disc bulge with small left paramedian disc protrusion (no cord impingement) at T4-5
Osteophyte complex with moderate right-sided anterior extradural defect upon thecal sac at T5-6
Left paramedian disc protrusion with small left paramedian disc protrusion (no cord impingement) at T6-7
Posterior disc bulge with posterior annular tear at L3-4
Posterior disc bulge with moderate facet arthrosis and slight bilateral neural foraminal narrowing at L4-5
I saw a neurosurgeon who at first said I needed surgery but after my EMG of the LE came back normal, he said he can't do anything for me and I should see a Rheumatologist come back to see him in a year. Should I seek a second opinion with an Orthopedic spinal doctor or another neurosurgeon. I can't walk or do basic daily activities without excruciating pain. I keep up with my PT exercises at home and I see my pain doctor every month. I'm just feeling so defeated. I'm only 37 years old and I can't enjoy life.
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Me too - at least there’s always hope for improvement and better days ahead