Not sure exactly where your pain is. Mine was behind right shoulderblade and down back of arm. Prednisone pack was one of the first things they gave me. Don't know if it helped swelling for their pictures, but I didn't get any relief. Next was Meloxicam (anti-inflam)- nope. Therapy - nope. Gabapentin -helped some Epidural shot-helped some. And the Doc that did that told me use over the counter Aleve -better than the Meloxicam they prescribed. At that point I had the other stuff going, but I think he was right. But all that together plus Tylenol through the whole mess did not completely get rid of the nerve pain. I'd say surgery got rid of 80+% immediately and after about 3 weeks was almost completely gone. As I am getting back to using my arm more I had a nasty cramp in tricep Sunday that left me some pain behind my elbow. But otherwise I have full motion. Lifting 20+ lbs now. I won't say pain free, but close.