Sounds like the doc has been dipping into the painkiller meds himself. Sharp guy.

But what were you doing on a ladder slinging mud on walls?

All the toxicity you're currently dealing with... most people aren't aware of it but gypsum dust; aka joint compound; is pretty posionous stuff and something you definitely want to avoid.

Try feverfew, it's the only light duty herb I know of that will get rid of muscle cramps and pain. I give to my duaghter for menstrual cramps, works wonders for her. Can't guarantee it'll help your back but it is worth a try. It stops your body from producing so much prostaglandin.

A full blown back xray will make you feel like real heck if you are already heavy metal toxic. truly, you are walking, and that already means nothing is broken so I wouldn't bother with an xray especially of that nature, lots of radiation... back injuries do hurt a lot and can take a good year or more to heal, that's what i have been told by fellow sufferers... however what I also know is that the very best thing to do when you have a back injury is to lie flat, flat, on your back and rest. Heat pad sounds good too. and feverfew.

also calcium/magnesium for muscle aches.