My primary doctor only wanted me on opioids before my back surgery and wanted to wait four month before during a scan of any kind.
My neurologist did not suggest anything about therapy or pain control after the surgery, so I took myself off opioids one month after the surgery and was on my own with the pain. I learned to control it by avoiding constipation which put pressure on my back. I have a metal cage in my lower spine to hold things in place. I have been four years learning to bed over and not have pain, so that is quite an achievement. I can do small exercises and enjoy my work outside so long as I don't have to lift much or walk very far. I don't need any medication but I can't tell anyone why I am better except I have made progress, slowly. If I have pain in the future, I will see my Chiropractor, who says he can't really do much anymore, and I will do acupuncture, knowing it only relieves pain temporarily. There's always the hot shower, but my son insists on icing down his back for relief. Sorry I don't have more answers. My neighbor had a stimulator inserted in his back and it did not turn out well. He is now deceased. He never was without pain. He took a lot of drugs, bled internally, became paralyzed, and really went downhill. I didn't learn much from his experiences. I am a do it yourself type of person, living alone on my farm, and each day is a little challenge, but I am doing better this spring. I am blessed. Dorisena