I actually had the burning pain every time my back went out in the early 80's before my first spine surgery but after the first discectomy on L5S1 it was OK and then reappeared when L4 went out but after L4 discectomy the burning pain became diffuse in lower half of body and very severe.
Neurontin has definately helped and weight gain did not happen for me because of the decreased pain with this and Methadone (12.5mg/day) I was able to become more mobile. Of course epidural steroid injections have helped with my pain as well but they are few and far between.
RE the burning pain I've not had it for some time.. knock on wood or particle board
but then again one might not want to take the medications I do because their symptoms weren't quite as aggravating and the brain fog does happen~ there is also Lyrica specifically for neuropathies and there is Topamax that is supposed to be helpful like Neurontin.