About your pain @Former-Member
There are ways of managing it - not always successful - I am taking a lot less medication than I was and have pain a lot - okay today - yesterday was achey most of the day
One hint is to have a break and lie flat before the pain starts - this is tough when you are at work so take your tablets at work if they don't make you drowsy - and get good shoes with plenty of support. Heals are a no-no - put too much strain on your spine
I think you said if you mention the pain to your doc he tells you to lose weight - which is not at all helpful - but how can you exercise when your back aches all the time or you get migraine? - you can't.
So the idea is to walk early or late before the day gets hot - and not the days you are at work - the whole thing is a delicate balancing act -
Think about it - are you ready to see a pain specialist - they vary a lot - I guess you can't afford a private specialist - or to pick and choose - so that can be delicate - maybe get on the list to see a spinal OS at a public hospital - you will have to wait for a long time and I know you are out in the bush in a small town
A spinal OS does not mean surgery - and I certain don't think surgery is at all a good idea - but s/he might refer you to a suitable pain specialist at a public hospital - but it's a case of hurry up and wait
You know - there are advantages of living out in the country - the suburban wilderness can be pretty snippy too - huge as well and full of snippy people - just like a country town - but it is easier to be private. But walkling in the country side is not going to happen to me here - I wish I could drive but my spine stops that from being an option -
There is always good and bad in everything
Dec
