Try this link:
http://www.iasp-pain.org/PCU94c.html
I agree with Demiguise that you need to get copies of all your test results. There may be more autoimmune tests to be run that you haven't had yet, so you need to know exactly what you've had done so far. There are Seronegative types of arthritis. In other words, it doesn't show on standard blood work, but is definately an autoimmune disease. Have you had a trial of at least 2 weeks of prednisone? If so, what was your experience? Another idea besides autoimmune is that it may be Neurogenic or Neuropathic pain. There is a difference between the two, but the treatment is about the same. I know the Neurologist told you to "take a hike", but maybe you could bring this up, and try the drug Neurontin. Have you ever had Herpes Zoster? If so, look up Post-herpetic Neuralgia.
Thanks Demiguise for the check. I do need to be saved from med students who think a little info makes them a seasoned doctor. Anyway, Demiguise is right about the suggestions above. Add seeing an orthopedist to check out the back, but maybe you should see an endocrinologist as well, to check out possible problems in that direction. The swelling of the neck is of concern to me. Have you ever had problems with Mumps or salivary glands? Do you have problems with your jaw?
I didn't say there were bursa between the vertebrae of the spine, I said there were bursa in the back, and there are. There are approximately 150 bursa throughout the body including the pelvis, buttocks and coccyx which cause pain into the lumbar region of the back which can be chronic in nature. Bursa are located where muscle or tendons rub against each other or bones. Bursa are not in bones or joints, but near joints. Joints can be movable, but not necessarily freely movable. Although bursae are best known to be in the shoulder, knee, and elbow, bursa are also found in the fingers, toes, ankle, foot, wrist, heel, jaw, sternum, hip, pelvis, coxxyx, buttocks, along the lumbar spine, and others. Bursitis in the back and hips can occur alone, but usually occur in conjunction with arthritis, gout, and bacterial infections.
Burning sensations and tingling in the joint can be an indication of tendonitis (inflammed tendon) or bursitis, an infection of the bursa. A bursa is a small fluid filled pocket in a muscle near the boney joint. You have them all over the body, including the back. Either one may indicate a CTD, or Cumulative Trauma Disorder. See an Orthopedist.