After months of continus pain and talking with my personal Dr, I finally decided to go to a pain clinic. The Dr is also a chiropractor. After we talked and he went over my medical records which included an MRI ( medical records confirmed these back conditions: facet arthropathy, neurogenic claudication, Neural foraminal stenosis at 4 levels, sciatica, 3 herniated discs, 4 bulging discs, loss of disc space at L5-S1, loss of disc space at L4-5 and bone spurs ) and he did some tests of movements and a leg raise test, then he tells me that I am not getting my pain from my spine but that I am getting my pain from my butt muscles. I just kind of went along with things and even got some shots in my butt to relax my butt muscles, which did nothing for my pain and I told him this. He wrote me a script for Lortab and gabapentin and said to come back in 2 weeks. After I left I called the wife and told her about the incident and she said " if he is doubting you with all those documents from the other Drs then get rid of him" After I got to thinking about it, why should I use a Dr that doesnt beleive my pain is coming from my spine when I know for a fact thats where its coming from? He is trying to make me look like a liyer or some kind of pillhead just making things up so I can get a script of Lortabs! Now I am PO'd !! Should I even bother getting a script from this Dr and see what he plans to do next or, should I just get rid of him and get another pain Dr before I fill my scripts???

anyone?????

Good grief. I know if I were in your shoes I would get rid of this doctor right now. Your back pain is legitimate with what your MRI shows. He is not a good physician, and please with back injury, a chiro, is not so hot either. I hope you can find a competent doctor to treat for your pain. Do some research on "real" pain specialists, even contact your PCP for a referral. I do wish you all the best, and that you can find relieft that is real, and not butt shots. What he did makes no sense to me. Just my opinion, of course I am not a doctor just a patient like you with spinal problems. If it looks like fish oil, tastes like fish oil, it probably is fish oil. You have a right to be angry. ginnie

Thanks Ginnie!!
That is exactly what I thought! What is a PCP? And what do you think I should do about the prescription he already called in for me?The pharmacy has called and said the prescription is ready Should I call the pharmacy and tell them I wont be using this Dr and for them to forget the prescription? I dont want to be labled as a " doctor shopper " who is trying to get pills from whoever he can. I dont know what to do and I'm getting worried. What should I do what should I do

PCP is your primary care physican. You should really be under the care of an orthopaedic doctor specializing in spine problems. Pain specialists are exactly that; they do not deal in anything other than pain and not the cause of pain. An orthopaedic doctor, after reviewing your problems should make the diagnosis and may refer you to a Pain Specialist that he feels could best handle your pain issues.

Also, would suggest you call the pharmacy and let them know you will not be picking up the prescriptions.

(Gerry)

I agree with both Ginnie & Gerry.

There are cases where pain can be/is telegraphed to a site removed from where the underlying problem is. One example is sciatica, where a problem in/near the spine can cause pain further down the leg. Another is myofascial trigger points, where pain can be felt along the top of the shoulder and in the neck, but the cause is a muscle knot under the shoulder blade (I get that one too often), but this is a complex issue that has to be determined by experts who know how that process works.

In addition to an orthopedist, consideration might be given to bring a neurologist on your team. It will be difficult to get all these doctors to actually talk to each other - that would be rare. However, your PCP should act as coordinator (quarterback) of your "team". I posted a diagram of what a team might look like here.

I also agree with cancelling the prescription for the reasons stated. What you are seeking is not a second opinion; the terminology I have heard used is "transfer of care".

Best wishes,

Doc

I agree with Gerrys post. PCP is primary care doctor. That doctor can always give you a good referral. I am not sure you have to pick up the prescription. If you don't have any faith in the doctor, I am not sure I would want the script either. Again bring this your your primary doc. attention. I really hope you find a great specialist in the field of medicine you need to get the help you need. If you choose to get the script, you can always bring it to your doctor and show him or her what was prescribed, and see if there is an agreement. I wish you the best. ginnie