I was a medical professional prior to becoming a professional patient . In the 90’s, it was considered malpractice to not treat or under treat pain . Unfortunately, a lot of doctors and patients mistreated this opportunity in multiple ways . Now ,the pendulum has swung way too far in the other direction . I feel that bringing up pain at a doctor visit is like a faux pas - suddenly the dr changes the subject and it is never discussed . I see no way that after perusing my chart you could not understand why I would need something for pain control . I understand the plight of the doctors but I am disappointed that most doctors are willing to allow their patients to suffer and I see very few who seem to be an advocate for us . I do know that all pain does not require a narcotic , but sometimes it does . With pain medication , I can carry out far more activities on my own , I am kinder to my family and my depression is lifted ! To feel that no one cares about this need is so depressing . At times I have felt that I was not worthwhile for a doctor to stick his neck out a bit , while maintaining the law . It has become too easy to smooth over this subject bc we have been subjected to the mentAlity that requesting pain medication is wrong .
On the other hand , I have an empathetic pain management doctor who is treating me with compassion and I get what I need . However prior to this I was treated like a gangster. The process of dealing with my pain became something that sucked the life out of me .
Some things that did help me at times was CBD lotion on my neck ; TENS unit ; a cane that you use to work our the spasms in the upper back , neck, shoulders . Physical therapy to strengthen and increase stamina overall helped me a lot. I figured my pain would be increased but it never did . Keep looking for the right pain management dr . There are many treatments for pain and not all need to be narcotics ; but sometimes they are needed and they should be dispensed in a careful manner and monitored closely . I am hoping that the pendulum will swing back in the other direction .
You have to be your own advocate .