Chronic Pain...Please help!

  In 1994, after 2 years of chronic pain in the L5 area, left side, and after numerous tests, MRI, CT, EMG, a small cyst was found growing into the S2 nerve root. In May of 1995, I had surgery to remove the cyst and was painfree for almost 3 months. The pain began again, even worse, with total left leg pain, loss of balance, lower back and buttock pain. In 1995, my surgeon was going to check me again, and decided against, cutting that nerve root. After the 2nd surgery, I lost the feeling completely in the back of my left leg, and the first 2 toes, which created worse pain and loss of balance. I have had 5 MRI, and 6 root blocks which were unsuccessful.
  In August of 1997, I started to experience pain in the area of L5, but on the right side. I had fallen 2 times, when walking my dog, because my left leg gives out.
  I saw my family doctor 16 times, and my surgeon in Dec./97. He didn't feel that it was serious, and booked an MRI for Oct. 9/98.  In the meantime, by a twist of fate, I was in a car accident in Aug./98. After having exrays for my neck and lower back, a right L5 interarticularis fracture, which is believed to have happened prior to the accident. The pain on the right side, is sickening and makes my sick to my stomach.
  With this type of fracture, is it possible it just hasn't healed after all this time? Does the pain ever go away completely.
  I am so upset that this has happened, and that over a year had gone by before this was even found.
  I would like to know more about treatment, etc. of this fracture.
  Any help would be wonderful.
  Thanks Kim  =========

Dear Kim,
thank you for the question and sorry for the delay in answering.
I symphatize with your problems. The fracture you described may very well be an incidental finding. As you mentioned, it is more likely old than new, and the radiologist can tell if its healed or not. It probably is healed.
It sounds though that what you need is a good pain management.
If you would like to get an orthopedic opinion on the fracture, that is fine.
Clevleland Clinic has one of the best comprehensive pain management program in the country. The limiting factor for most people is geographic location and insurarance coverage. If you would like to be evaluated though please call 1-800-CCF CARE.
Good luck.