Ok, I rarely ask for medical/health advice, but I am in enough pain to be willing to sift through it, so #AdvicePlease

I have been having the worst back pain of my life. It started in early May and has gone up and down a bit, but the last few days have been excruciating, like taking pain meds even when teaching so as not to cancel class, and being stuck in certain positions for periods of time, and not being able to get off the toilet without a grab bar and significant amount of pain. Last night included some sobbing. Also am out of pain meds because of the ableist response to the opioid crisis.

I have tried; heat, ice, massage, chiropractic care, a massage ball, fire cupping, cannabis, anti-inflammatories, different chairs/positions, sleeping on back vs side, pokey mats, stretching, mindfulness, pacing, cane use, not using my cane, core exercises, etc.

I would really really prefer not to go to the Roanoke, VA emergency room (again).

What suggestions do you have?