<s>[INST] I HAD A SPINAL FUSION/LAMENECTOMY OF CERVICAL SPINE C-3 THRU T-2 IN APRIL OF 2016, EVER SINCE I HAVE HAD SEVERE PAIN AND CONTINUED SWELLING IN NECK AND UPPER BACK REGION WITH NO RELIEF. I AM FOLLOWED BY PAIN MANAGEMENT WHO HAS TRIED MANY MEDS AND TRIGGER POINT INJECTIONS WITH NO SUCCESS, I VE ASKED THE NUEROSURGEON TO FOLLOW UP AND FIND ANWSERS FOR THIS CONTINUED PROBLEM. THEY HAVE OREDERD AN MRI BUT I FEEL THAT I NEED AND MRI WITH CONTRAST TO GIVE BETTER IMAGES OF THE MUSCLE/NERVES THAT ARE CAUSING THIS PAIN, WHICH IS BETTER? CONTRAST OR NO CONTRAST? [/INST] Hello, I have studied your case.You may need to do MRI spine with contrast  to see for nerve compression and discitis. If you’re new MRI shows disc bulge with nerve compression then surgery may help.If there is instability then fusion with fixation may help.As per your previous surgery of spine now there is possibility of discitis, which can be confirmed by MRI with contrast or CT myelogram.For these symptoms analgesic and neurotropic medication can be started.Till time, avoid lifting weights, Sit with support to back. You can consult physiotherapist for help.Physiotherapy like ultrasound and TENS therapy will helpI will advise to check your vit B12 and vit D3 level.Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries. If you find this answer helpful do not hesitate to rate this answer at end of discussion. Wishing you good health.Take care. </s>