[Maria]

Had back probs siince early 80's and never been to ER for back pain/probs. Working as an RN I knew how I'd be receieved and treated (at least in the 80s and 90's)...I probably had as severe pain as many here that would have and has sent many persons I know with back probs to the ER but for many years I would not use any drug stronger than an NSaid for back pain (till I couldn't use them anymore) and also I pretty much could determine whether I had an urgent or emergent problem not counting pain/spasms.

I do think what Mark stated is an important point about going to the ER if the pain is severe enough as it might very well be something of an emergent nature that presents with severe pain in the spine or radiating or referred to some area of the spine or some part of the body. One should not be afraid to go to the emergency room. One might want to call a telephone triage line if the insurance co. has one.

I've been to the ER since I started opioid pain meds in 2001 for other reasons like urinary, opthalmic, GI and everytime in initial intake when asked about medications and I state the pain med I'm on... there's a sudden shift to questiioning about use of medications/history of abuse/addiction etc. Some people are better prepared at hearing that one is on opioid medication for pain and some seem appalled. At first it really bothered me when I got the eye rolling by the intake person tho now 11 years later I could care less what someone else thinks of my need to utilize a prescribed medication for pain. I have gone to urgent care numerous times asking for a Toradol injection for lumbar or cervical spasms which doctors seem relieved to hear me ask for after telling them I take Methadone for chronic low back pain.