I also have chronic lower back pain ,and have for 15 years. My back is a train wreck I have crushed L1 L2, DDD. Stenosis, Sciatica, Arthritis, Bone spurs, and a failed back surgery. I am on Morphine 3x a day, and Dilaudid as needed for pain. I am dependent on these drugs, as I can't sit, stand or even lay down for more than 5 minutes without the meds. I am on permanent disability and can no longer work, so I can relate to most of what your saying, If you are unable to work go file for SSDI you payed for it and if you are unable work you need it. We could not get by with out SSDI. A person who is on a prescription is dependent upon the medicine and not addicted there is a difference.A person who is dependent on a medication has a physical need to take it in order to function. People who are physically dependent usually need progressively higher doses of a medication in order for it to maintain its effect. This condition is called drug tolerance. If the medication is suddenly reduced or stopped, it causes withdrawal symptoms, quite a difference from addiction. Addiction is different from physical dependence or tolerance, however. In cases of physical dependence, withdrawal symptoms occur when a substance suddenly is stopped. Tolerance occurs when the initial dose of a substance loses its effectiveness over time.

Wow. This type of pain is terrible. I recently applied for food stamps, and disability to feed my kids and wife. I had no help from regular drs. to figure this out earlier, insurance to try epidural would have been nice when I could not walk last year from pain. Acupuncture, meds, back brace, prayer, helped a bit, but it is a battle. God bless you.

Go to another doctor and get another MRI or take a copy of your old one. I was brushed off for a while by my doctor. And now I'm making a list of things to ask my neuro surgeon when I go on the 29th of this month. I'm sick to death of narcotics. I work full-time as a teacher. There are way too many days I'd rather stay in bed. I love what I do and frankly I'm praying for miracle. DO NOT GIVE IN AND GIVE UP!!! There is something out there that can help you!

My heart breaks as I read your post. Sending up prayers and sending HUGS to you as well. Chrisal

I agree with justboots. And if you can get a seated MRI, not flat on your back. Give the Doctors a chance to see the problem, when you are having it. Most of us do not have back pain when we are laying down.

I feel for ya, I too have serious back problems, it started 5-6 years ago.Unfornately your in a catch 22 situtation, your damned if you do and damned if you don't. Back pain is very difficult to live with, it rules your world. Unless you have surg. to relieve the pain your pretty much stuck in a situtation. I have heard that even if you have back surg to repair your back its never 100 percent. I have heard once you have back surg. your likely to have more a couple years later. As far as treating pain, I use hot showers and baths. Pain meds are your only way to treat serious back pain. Your are in a catch 22, you might have to at this point try surg. Good Luck

Hey Bob, I liked what Imaginos had to say. You said that you were addicted but, was it really an addiction or was it dependence?

Regardless of what is was...You need better pain control. There are non-opioid pain medications that may help you. Tramadol is one of them, there is also neurontin/gabapentin for neuropathy pain. Hot baths really help me and, lots of rest.

I know how difficult it must have been for you to apply for public benefits. Hold your head high my friend. There is no shame to obtain these benefits...it does not mean your are less a person or less a man. They are there for people who need them and, people who meet qualifications for the program.

I started out as a benefit worker (food stamps, medical, daycare etc) several years ago. I moved to another state and worked in that field as well. I eventually worked myself into a management position which had me work the entire county---everyone in my area who works at the "welfare" offices know me. When I quit in June due to my disabilities...guess what?? I had to walk into one of those offices where I was a manager and apply for benefits. Talk about wanting to shoot your own foot off!

I believe that people do the best they can and, when that is not enough for the basics of living---that is where public benefits come in.

I hope you can try some different pain relief and, I hope that you apply for SSDI. HUGS to you and your wife. In support!

Love my new neurosurgeon! Was with him for over an hour discussing my MRI and x-rays. Very thorough. I'm now using fentanyl 50mg patches and don't have that stoned feeling all of the time. These patches are the bomb! I still have medication for break through pain. He was amazed that I'm doing everything I am with basically bone on bone grating together in my back. Surgery is scheduled for May 23