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hello. and I'm sorry that you are going thru this. it sucks big time, I know.
I have neck / upper back problems as well. I was in a car accident over ten years ago and now a pretty bad car crash back in October. my neck has taken a beating, unfortunately. and although I don't have any herniated discs yet, I'm well on the way towards them.
here's my situation : disc protrusions at C5-C6 and T1-T2, bulging discs at C3-C4, C6-C7, and T2-T3, and the disc protrusion at C5-C6 has a tear (meaning its close to herniation)! just wanted to give you an idea that I kinda know what it's like.
I haven't used much ice or heat, cuz I don't want to use the wrong one and make things worse. and actually, my sister uses Neurontin (for migraine headaches) and as far as I know, she's been using it for many years without much problems.
the thing that works the best for me in dealing with the pain is sadly something that most people can't get or use. I have a high tolerance-level for pain! which helps me tremendously and will help in putting off surgery as long as I can.
and for most people, PT (physical therapy) is a good thing and could probably help. sadly, pt doesn't work for me, due to my mental illness. so I'm trying to find other ways or other things that might help or work for me.
I was just at a spine center this week. they gave me some pamphlets to read on a couple procedures that could be done to help with the pain. they might be something to consider as a way to help and put off surgery. one is called 'Medial Branch Blocks' (or facet nerve injections). sounds like the procedure takes less than an hour and less than three for recovery. the second is called 'Medial Branch Radiofrequency Neurotomy' (or RF Neurotomy). don't know if these would help with herniated disc pain or not, but maybe it's worth looking into.
one of the worst things about it for me is that although I can tolerate the pain now, any number of things can make it worse at any given time, so I have to be really careful! activities I've done my whole life and am accustom to doing, I may now have to avoid, as a precaution so the injury / discs don't get worse (making it more painful).
I was given a prescription for vicodin (which is an opioid), but I haven't used it yet. I read about the possible side effects and interactions and things like that and just didn't want to chance it. so I understand what you're saying about it.
if you want to chat, just message any time. hope you find something that helps soon. take care and good luck
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