You all are going to get tired of me. Increased anxiety, increased problem solving. 
Has anyone tried any sort of nerve ablation in traps or neck to get by?
Also wondered if anyone took narcotics before surgery and then didn’t need them afterwards eventually?
God bless you all, truly.
Nerve ablation is a mixed bag. Though I can’t speak to your specific case, I’ve known people who tried nerve ablation to reduce pain, & for them, it was minimally successful i.e. either didn’t relieve the pain to the expected extent, or if it did, the relief didn’t last very long. That said, everyone is different so it could be a great benefit for you. If you elect to have ablation done, go in knowing it might not be a magic bullet.
I think the information @Leah gave you in (Severe Trap and Neck Pain - #2 by Leah) has some really insightful information that’s worth pursuing before you seriously consider nerve ablation.
I’ll respond more tomorrow but wondered about Botox or an accessory nerve block?
Either would be a good starting point.
I’ve mentioned gabapentin multiple times and since you are taking hydrocodone, please be aware of potential respiratory depression from possible interaction between the two. I do not know how high the risk is, but certainly not one clinician mentioned this to me (?).
FDA warns about serious breathing problems with seizure and nerve pain medicines gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise, Horizant) and pregabalin (Lyrica, Lyrica CR) | FDA.
“Health care professionals should start gabapentinoids at the lowest dose and monitor patients for symptoms of respiratory depression and sedation when co-prescribing with an opioid or other CNS depressant as pairing an opioid with any CNS depressant will increase the risk of respiratory depression”
Yes I saw that information when I looked it up. I don’t think gabapentin is going to work for me. I think Botox would be reasonable to consider. Thanks Leah! I really appreciate all of your responses!