You need to tell your PM doc that your pain meds are not taking care of your pain. Of course, we all have our tolerance levels but there is no reason to be in horrible pain if your doc can help you out. Regarding the cortisone shorts, I don't know - I'm not a fan as they haven't helped me. I've had quite a few, especially in my thoracic region but I got no relief so they were a waste. And, with their potential negative side efects, I typicall pass on them anymore. I'm sure 9 mos seems like a long time for you and to you but many of us on here have been dealing with our back pain for years. I say that because you will heeed to have some patience to get through this or to at least find a place or level where you can manage. I'm not trying to preach either, sorry if I am! I feel bad for you but there is help out there and you have to be your own best advocate to get the right treatment for yourself. So, don't be shy about questioning your doc and asking why he or she is prescribing various meds or offering that your research shows that another med might work for you. Hang in there and the best of luck to you. Jerome

Pain really sucks! I wish i could say that there was an easy way to get rid of it but if there was then we wouldn't have this site.Let your doctor know that the medication he's given you isn't work very well,but be careful not to tell him that you've strengthened it on your own as he might think that you're just a drug seeker.There are plenty of different medications that you can try that might help you more.I can speak to the injections as well, some people don't find any difference with them,i've had three now and have had some improvement in pain with all three. Usually it lasts a month and then starts to decline,for me its worth it because i really can't sit for any length of time without them.I spend a great deal of my time laying down. Feeling stuck is a normal problem and i'm sure that a lot of people on here would say the same thing,i do a lot of the time. You just have to take things one day at a time and try not to look months a head. You said that you had some physical therapy, have your tried some massage to relax the muscles in your back,or acupuncture? You could also try hot baths,or maybe some ice to numb the pain. I've seen as osteopath and he's helping me greatly although i have a lot of problems and it will take a long time to make me feel a lot better,i'm feeling better then i was two years ago. I also started talking to a Councillor about my pain.It hasn't made my pain better but i find that i'm handling it better. Please come back on and let us know how your doing.