I'm confused about your statement about opiates. You make it sound as if they are designed to not block pain completely, when really it just works out that way.

I'm confused about your statement about opiates. You make it sound as if they are designed to not block pain completely, when really it just works out that way. Are you referring to the neurotransmitters that opiates mimic, and their role in pain blocking? I can't afford decent health insurance right now. I know that in the long-term, surgery is always the better option than allowing further deterioration of my condition, but it simply isn't a possibility for a lot of people. I don't collect disability because I enjoy my field but lately the idea has been tugging at me more and more. I just fear, if nothing else, health coverage denial in my later years because of it.