Does anyone have "nerve damage" pain after a past Spinal Fusion surgery?

Question

I had spinal fusion 10 years ago. My whole spine is fused with 2 rods, to correct a very severe curvature.

Ever since the surgery, i'll occasionally get a pain it my right shoulder blade (on my back). It feels like getting stabbed with a burning hot knife. It is AWFUL.

I know what you'll all say "go to the doctor," but unfortunately I've gone to my surgeon, and a couple of GP's already. They all tell me "it's nerve damage", and i should take tylenol or ibuprfen (i'm allergic to narcotic pain meds).

Does anyone else have "nerve damage" pain? If you do, does anything help you out?

I've tried OTC pain meds, muscle relaxers, heating pads, and back muscle stretches.

Thanks!

I live in Illinois.

I can't take a drug called "Lyrica," because i have a history of kidney problems.

Answer 1

Since you have already seen the doctors (though it would be better to see a neurologist instead of the GPs), I won't suggest that!

I too have nerve damage not from the spinal fusion but from some other factors. In my case, it manifests as burning feet and burning pain in many other parts of the body. B12 (Eldervit, Neurobion Forte, Methyl Cobalamin tablets etc.) helped me and doctors suggested use of Trycyclic Anti-depressants like Trypotmer and Anti-Seizure medicines like Pregabalin to help with the pain.

Pl. see Painfree 1-2-3 by Dr. Teitelbaum and "The Journey to Pain Relief" by Phyllis Berger (ISBN 978-0-89793-469-5) and similar books for more advice.

With best wishes,

Swamy
Author, Editor and Book Reviewer

Answer 2

I've had a spinal fusion but not as intense. I lost feeling in my hip from the graft. Prior to my surgeries, I used to get muscle spasms in my back around my shoulder blades. I was given a TENS Unit. It is an electric stim (portable). You would need to doctor to write a prescription for it and I got mine through a physical therapist. I also had a torn rotator cuff at the same time so I am not sure which injury caused the muscle spasms. I found that the muscle relaxers didn't even touch the pain. You could also have the dr. give you a prescription for physical therapy so you could get the massages on your back and that should help as well. Moist heat does help a little.

Answer 3

Yes, I have nerve pain from my side of incision on the left side. The pain goes from there to my hip and all the way down to my ankle. My pain is on the top of my leg. I can't deal with no one touching it or bumping up to it. I was on some neurotine an now I am doing therapy and injection to the spinal cord. After my three month of this if I am not better I would have to have surgery again which I am not ready to go back through that again it has only been 9 months.I am going to try and do some more research.

Answer 4

hi! first, i'd like to know where you live. because i'd like to recommend a clinic located in ALABANG. it's actually a REHABILITATION with Physical Therapist working there. from your description of pain, it really is a nerve damage. they have this laser machine wherein it helps your body system to release necessary substance that'll help you inhibit the pain.the name of the clinic is TOKYO HEALTHLINK - PT DEPARTMENT.

hope this could help you. Ü

Answer 5

YES......I am 6 weeks post op and am experiencing severe burning and stabbing in my foot......Going for cortisone injection tomorrow......No medication, exercise or ice seems to help......Anyone else with the same experience?......