Burning,Stabbing pain neck § left bicep,aching pain in left hip § leg

[DeeO96]

The pain is so bad,especially at night (it actually wakes me up,) in the morning I have to use my right arm to pick up my left, the pain in my neck is stabbing and burning and my left bicep actually feels hot to the touch. At night the pain in my neck actually feels like it is causing chest pains.I have been experiencing this pain for years. I did have disc fusion C5 & C6) in 2001, but was in an accident 2002(tire blew out & car spun across 2 lanes expressway), told I had severe cervical strain, and it would go away. The pain is getting worse and it seems I am dismissed as a hypochondriac. the pain is real,I am 51 and my pain tolerance is not as high as it used to be.  Will the pain go away, or do I live with it for another 8 years. What can I do, I have had an MRI and EMG, I don't really understand the findings, but apparently they aren't bad enough to cause concern. EMG- nerve damage c5-c6  MRI-herniation c6-C7
posterior annular bulging c4-c5, right nerual foraminal encroachment c3-c4. I am so frustrated, any suggestions?

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-JT]

A good chronic pain management facility will be key in the management of your symptoms.  Unfortunately, this far out from the onset of symptoms - surgery may not take away the pain and may even make it worse. However, if there is nerve damage on your EMG and the MRI does show disc herniation, you may consider bringing in your studies for review by a neurosurgeon who specializes in spine surgery, especially if there has been a recent change in your symptoms.  Chronic pain can certainly be frustrating and quite debilitating.  If there is no easily correctable cause (surgical), then getting into a pain management program for adequate relief of your symptoms is the best way to start.  There are a number of things that are offered such as medications such as neurontin, physical therapy, some people do injections, acupuncture, steroid therapy, massage, stimulators, etc... Good luck.