Jermuden...I can empathize with your pain, as well as other guys. I have suffered with spine issues since a near fatal car accident during my HS years. My mom, sister and I were airlifted to trauma centers after a deadly car crash. We each endured multiple fractures, breaks and lacerations.
I spent 8 weeks in 16 lbs. of cervical traction. Barbaric, I know, but they thought I'd never walk again. We all recovered to some extent within a year of surgeries and rehabilitation. Each of us has suffered lifelong pain in our spines, specifically cervical, lumbar to tailbone and sciatica nerve issues.
To compound my back/neck issues, I've had 2 Jeep GCs totaled by careless drivers. I have serious issues from C5 thru T1, but Neuro says surgery to correct reversed curvature would require extensive hardware. He also said that type of surgery is doomed to fail, causing more pain.
I have DDD, Osteoarthritis, Herniated discs L4,L5 with impingement on S1, annular tears, and blood filled tumors attached to the length of my spine. The tumors are caused by the Stage 4 Endometriosis, and are inoperable at this point.
Unfortunately, my spine/joint issues are not the sum total of my pain issues. I suffer from incurable disease that robbed my ability to have children. It also required TAH/BSO followed by chemotherapy. The chemicals have ravaged my bone health. I'm 21+ years post op, yet suffer daily with pelvic, vaginal, rectal pain with severe inflammation in my peritoneal cavity.
I am enrolled in PM since 2014, but it's been the biggest mistake of my life. Opiates don't "agree" with me, due to my mutilated GI tract. I cannot tolerate pain meds strong enough to ease pain because they intensify constipation. Although I am prescribed Oxycodone, I don't see it as the answer. I can't survive the OIC that doesn't respond to any softener, or laxative. My pain is amplified.
I know it sounds silly, but prescription grade anti-inflammatory meds such as Voltaren are helpful. Jermuden, until you can get into your appointment, you may have to do some trivial things to bring you momentary relief. Soaking in Epson Salt Hot baths are therapeutic at night. I stand under a screaming hot shower before work in the morning and gently stretch my back and neck. Heat packs or cold packs on painful areas after work, alternated can help too.
I hope that you can get some answers soon. As others have posted, oftentimes spinal damage is not picked up by imaging. It can also be misinterpreted. Don't be discouraged just yet...Be your own best advocate to find the right specialist. There's no reason to deny you meds, which are one of the many modalities you need to cope with back issues.
My best to all of you!