When I was accepted into the pain clinic about 5 years ago, I signed a standard pain contract that I would take pain meds only as prescribed. I did not realize that using medical Marijuana in a state where it is legal was prohibited by the contract. As far as the pain clinic was concerned, my indiscretion was treated as if I tested positive for heroin or another illicit street drug. At the pain clinic I receive therapeutic injections, botox, biofeedback, acupuncture, and other treatments. They work closely with my headache specialist, neurologist, and primary care physician. I take extremely small amounts of oxycodone on a weekly basis, far less than what would make me comfortable on most days. I am adamantly opposed to stopping the oxycodone without some other effective way to control my pain. After 15 years we are still looking for alternative treatments that work. I feel I have proven through my actions that I am not addicted to the medication, nor am I at risk of addiction, after 15 years of limited, low-dose usage.Laurie Demit Rusin

I see a pain doctor at St. Judes in Southern California, for my lumbar pain. I had used marijuana for my lumbar pain, previous to my diagnosis of disc issues that need surgery, so i told him. He told me that he could not treat my pain legally if i ever use marijuana again. Medical marijuana is legal in California, however since marijuana is illegal at the Federal level, doctors are precluded from prescribing pain drugs to patients who use illegal drugs. Of course I have not used marijuana since then. He said he will drug test me periodically and if marijuana use is detected, I will have violated the contract the clinic has with me, and he won't treat my pain. I only want pain relief so i am following his instructions.

Hi @gailb, thank you for jumping right in to conversations and sharing more about your struggles and management of back pain with other members on Connect. You may find the following discussion regarding pain medications vs. medical marijuana of interest. In this group, you will meet other members who are experiencing the same issues regarding a pain clinic contract and the use of medical marijuana.

- Chronic Pain and Medical Marijuana, http://mayocl.in/2c2i9Hx
- Dosage for medical marijuana vs. hydrocodone, http://mayocl.in/2kp0ZJx