Nerve Pain or pinched Nerve?

My situation was similar to yours. I had bad back and buttock pain from a fall. I had two epidurals that helped some for a bout two weeks. About ten months later I was prescribed some meds that gave me my life back. But, due to the fact that I still had occasional bad days, I got greedy and went to an orthopedic surgeon. He ordered another MRI and told me that I had spondylolisthesis at L5-S1. He strongly recommended spinal fusion. Hey, I was new to all this stuff, so I went ahead with the surgery. It wasn't pleasant. Recovery was about six weeks. No noticeable improvement. I have read that many of the surgeries are unnecessary but are a great cash cow. Was that the case for you...unnecessary surgery? Who can be sure?
If you still have pain after surgery, that surgery should be classifies as Failed Back Surgery syndrome. Hope you can get some relief. Maybe another injection.

@heisenberg34 thank you for sharing and I am hoping for some relief. This is not pleasant.

There are occupational physicians that help with work related conditions. I would imagine this is something they see regularly. Perhaps something to look into

I have lost most of the cartilage in my neck from multiple injuries. After 5 years of pain in my 20’s found an osteopath who helped. After he worked on my neck for 6 weeks I was out if pain. Multiple car crashes - rear ended by oblivious drivers. I refused surgery — use a chiropractor (yes I know the MDs disapprove). She uses an activator that works on the muscles -no joint manipulation) and acupuncture. She keeps me functional. Traditional doctors had recommended pain meds and rest that of course was wrong. The major problem with neck and back surgeries is that if unsuccessful the only option offered is further surgeries.

Maybe you could have had unnessassary surgery, or there could be an underlying undiagnosed medical condition that is probably contributing to your current pain you having. I think when it comes to nerve issues, pain, muscle spasm and trigger points, doctors need to ask all the relevant questions i.c.w. prior illnesses etc. I have had personal experiences here in this country of mine about doctors & nurses that just don't ask much questions ?..and it's in fact so scary to think that you go from one medication to the next. Eventually, you need to go back every time for more or even higher doses of medication to cure you. It then turns out that more patients just continue to suffer until they just finally collapse and die. It's so sad really. Just imagine, if we all start to heal ourselves the moment we become sick with anything,..doctors & nurses will be out of work, and will have no one to work on, but themselves eventually ,..Just a thought,.maybe a crazy one ?.🫲🤔..any comments ?.👀

I had the same experience with doctors. Also neck pain from rear-end collisions. Doctors wanted to operate to prove extent of physical damage in order to gain more money in lawsuit. They could guarantee less capability of head rotation, but not total outcome or even necessity. Chiropractor was my best decision.

@quincy007 Most, if not all pain meds do not "cure". They do however, cause serious side effects and dependency. I found an excellent acupuncturist. Just a thought. Her first intake was more of a physical than my GP has given me...ever.

@quincy007 The sad part was the Dr offering me a refill of the oxycodone. Which I didn't take more than 5 days. I know the medication is addictive. I refused the offer and thought, this may be one of the ways people get hooked on drugs. At any rate I have an appointment to see him in person to address the issue. He did prescribe me a pain pack (prednisone). It didn't help before, but I'll try it once more,

@nannybb They wrote a script for physical therapy to start next week so we will see. If that doesn't work, I'll try a chiropractor.

Hi there !..👋 thnx for your reply, and food for you for getting hold of your acupuncturist instead. That in fact showed more interest in your situation and illnesses you struggle with. Take care !✌️😋