Well, I should not be surprised that this was not an issue of concern at all. We all know how doctors are about prescribing medication for pain. Luckiliy I at least saw the doc I've been seeing for a long time rather than the back specialist who believes that his time is more important than anyone else's and believes he farts rainbows. He didn't prescribe anything, like I said, but he was compassionate about my bed experience with the back specialist and agreed to take the time to write out my prescriptions for durable medical equipment (lumbar-thoracic brace, portable TNS, lumbar traction) in a way that my insurance company will cover them. Unlike the other doctor who pitched a fit and yelled at me over the phone for not having gone out and purchased these items, saying that my difficulties in getting them were ridiculous and not responding to the new injury at all.

Sometimes just plain old compassion works pretty well, especially when it's you know you have a fed ex waiting at home.