I've got a question about how to proceed, medically speaking.

Sorry you’re experiencing so much pain, and on Christmas, too! I hope someone has some insight for you, instead of just sympathy.

I tend to look at medications as treating symptoms, while surgery has the chance to actually correct the problem. Why is surgery a last option for you? The occipital nerve (from what I’ve read) innervates the scalp, so you wouldn’t lose any physiological function, would you?

Before you take such drastic measures, if I were you I would explore alternative medicine and acupuncture first. You’ve got nothing to loose. I am not an expert but acupuncture has improved if not cured my sciatica problems. Good Luck.

@holler, surgery just freaks me out. Messing with my spinal cord and all that just unnerves me (literally). I have tried going off meds, succeed for awhile, then simply cannot manage.
@Augustlan, thanks for the kind words.
@CAQUE, accupressure is part of my PT, but not accupuncture. I have looked into it, but my insurance doesn’t cover it. Unfortunately cost has to be considered.

My acupuncturist was able to bill my treatments under an allowed condition. I live in LA. maybe it’s easier to find acupuncturist that are experienced in dealing with insurances. Most insurances will allow a % of your treatment to be covered by acupuncture, ask your doctor for a referral. I’m just trying to give you ideas. Seek and yee shall find.

I do not mean to be minimize your pain in any way because I know the last year has been awful for you but may I just jump in here with three little words? Karmic Ass Bite.

First, I think he meant to say that the surgeon would disable the occiput, not the nerve. Second, I agree that surgery should be a last option. Spinal fixation/fusion surgery is not trivial, and there are both short term and long term consequences/side effects to consider. Third, if you are planning on surgery, I would seek out the best surgeon possible at the most reputable hospital. This can go a long way towards getting a good outcome.

Don’t know the answer to your problem. Make sure you get second opinions. Hang in there. See if thee is a chronic pain clinic in your area- they
can be very helpful.
Surgery is usually a last resort though I certainly understand you feeling like you have arrived there.

What’s the difference between the occiput and the occipital nerve, Shilolo? I currently get nerve blocks directly into the nerve, and I’m wondering what the difference would be. From what I understand, a surgery would permanently disable the nerve from sending any messages.

@cdw, the pain clinic is where I’m getting treatment as well.

Seriously, thanks to everyone. I get in a pain cycle, I get bummed, I trudge through.

I think you may have needed a more agressive physical therapist…perhaps you should consider switching to another one if you can. One year is a heck of a long time to suffer and no results! Good luck with it.

Gimmedat, I want to make an earnest and personal appeal to you. Before you even consider surgery, would you be open to trying one, just one, less evasive procedure? I had chronic headaches everyday for 10 years due to an old sports injury. I eventually was directed to an amazing chiropractic physician who specializes in the Gondstead Method of chiropractic medicine. I can’t do the field justice by trying to explain it, but I like to think of those doctors as physicians who view the body the way a mechanical engineer views a machine. My doctor was able to isolate the disc problems that I was having and within 4 weeks of going for adjustments two times per week, I noticed a change in my constant pain! I continued through a 12 week consultation plan and went to my last appointment on 12/23. I’m not 100% “fixed” and will probably need to see him once a month or as pain re-appears, but for all intents and purposes, I am now PAIN FREE with no surgery! It feels like a miracle.
Before you go that drastic route, would you consider consulting with a Gonstead Method chiropractor? There should be a practitioner in your area. Take a look at :
http://www.gonstead.com/ or google your location and Gonstead Chiropractic.
I have no connection to these doctors. I’m just a grateful patient! I never imagined that my chronic pain would go away, but it has. Check them out!

@gimmedat- Yikes! Sorry to hear that. Just be sure you are doing ALL of the exercises your P.T. has taught you EVERYDAY. Also, you could find a great massage therapist. I, personally, would avoid going under the knife at all costs! Take care! I hope you can find some relief soon!

Personally, I wouldn’t let a chiropracter look at my neck from 6 feet away, much less realign it. I’ve seen and heard of way too many chiropractic horror stories for that.

Have you considered prolotherapy http://www.whiplash101.com/2009/08/prolotherapy-for-ligament-instability/ to stabilize the ligaments and nerve glides to release the nerve pain? I also like a little machine I took a course in how to work and it does electronic accupuncture
http://www.acumedmedical.ca/etps.html Make sure you get people that specialize in neck injury and have a good track record of recovered patients plus find out the short and long term results of any decision and how it could affect future treatment , also what chance is there that your neck will get better by itself. Some people are candidates for artificial disks http://www.adrsupport.org/forums/index.php ask around and see what works for others. There is also a machine that specially strengthens the neck called MCU http://btetech.com/mcu.htm. You can also rent or buy cold light lasers which can provide good pain relief, I would try all these options before surgery