help

[jerrythaplumber]

I have 4 bulging diskes and a pars defect in my back I have been taking norco 10/325 for 7 years now and it's not helping with my pain and my d.r refuses to change it what can i say or do to change his mind?

[philnoir]

Jerry, all kinds of practitioners call themselves "pain doctors" - chiropractors, rehab specialists, sports medicine specialists, surgeons, etc. Chiros want to "align" your spine, rehab and sports people give you exercises to build your muscle strength, and surgeons cut. They all have their place, but with chronic structural back problems, their pain solutions are limited.

In my experience, people with spine problems who are looking for non-surgical pain management options do best with an interventional pain specialist. This is an advanced-practice anesthesia specialty. These people inject steroids, numb and ablate nerves. The key word is "interventional pain" when searching for them.

Good luck.

[jerrythaplumber]

yes he is a pain management doctor i was going to have some injections done but because of insurance reasons i wasn't able to get them everyone keeps telling me that i need to change doctors so i guess that will be the place to start thanks for your help

[Slipsoup]

Does your doctor specialize in pain management? 7 years is a long time to be on the same medication. It sounds like you need a new doctor. Perhaps some non-pharmacologic treatments could be added to your routine too.