It sounds like you are taking good care of yourself. I figured you'd tried the dietary changes.

I do understand not wanting to take meds, though sometimes it is for the best. I have a nerve injury and neuropathic pain and was resistant to taking meds myself. I mentioned nortriptyline specifically because I spent a little over a year on it and had helpful results. The dose for pain and headaches is very small compared to antidepressant doses. 10-25mg instead 100mg. Big difference. It downregulates pain interpretation. I did best on the lowest dose at bedtime and have since been able to discontinue it. Don't be afraid to try low doses of new meds to get some relief. It is a concession for those of us who prefer to be med free and finding the right med and dose can be tricky, but getting pain controlled is so important.

I hope for the best for you on that MRI. Take care,