have had bad lower back pain for about a year now and the doc has done xrays and urine tests and says nothing out of line? I ALSO have Tennis elbow, which really hurts! Have been on Vicodin 2/day, sometimes I need 3 or 4 and then i have to suffer other days because I am short on my script. I usually get them refilled every month with just a phone call. Now after a few months not seeing him, he wants a physical before he fills anymore. When I see him, should i tell him I need more than 2/day? Last time I seen him, he refered me to pysical therapy, but I cant afford that and dont have the time during the week to go. I recently got a script for vicoprofen from my dentist due to an abcess tooth and when the tooth problem was gone, i utilized the extras to help with my back. BTW- would that be considered doctor shopping? cuz i have two scripts.. ALSO does anyone know what physical therapy costs, because my insurance dont cover it.
Thanks

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I have had bad lower back pain for about a year now and the doc has done xrays and urine tests and says nothing out of line? I ALSO have Tennis elbow, which really hurts! Have been on Vicodin 2/day, sometimes I need 3 or 4 and then i have to suffer other days because I am short on my script. I usually get them refilled every month with just a phone call. Now after a few months not seeing him, he wants a physical before he fills anymore. When I see him, should i tell him I need more than 2/day? Last time I seen him, he refered me to pysical therapy, but I cant afford that and dont have the time during the week to go. I have a freind whom is a massage therapist and gives me massages once a month to help, but that is temporary.
I have been exercising/strength training both my back and elbow, but my job consist of manual labor and I need to work. The vics are what keep me working without pain.
Also what if he insist on therapy?
What do you think he will do for me?
Up my script, or cut me off, or refer me elsewhere. NOTE this is my lifelong reg. DO.
How long does a general doc keep prescribing narcotics. Some that replied state that they took for year and a half for back pain..How long till its normal to up the dosage. Ive been on 7mg for about 7mos or so.

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