I hear your frustrations and share your concern.
I take a small amount of hydrocodone (Vicodin) for nerve/arthritis pain/spinal stenosis - I have had two back surgeries and am fused L2-S1 and my neck surgery fused two levels and now the rest of my neck is essentially self fused.
My internist is retiring end of June and I am concerned that I may not find anyone new to prescribe it for me. I have a huge collection of “pain relief” ointments, roll ons, creams, etc. I have gone to PT many times. I was told to not go to a chiropractor (and the last one years back sent me to a neurosurgeon!). I can no longer take aspirin or other NSAIDs because I got gastritis, lost 20#. I am not overweight and am in good shape otherwise. I stretch. I use cold/ice and heat…
Feeling your pain!