Brief Answer: It may have changed.... Detailed Answer: Dear, I went through your query with diligence and I understand your concerns. Pain medicines especially opioid analgesic (percocet) is known for tolerance and dependance. In simple words, you would develop tolerance and dependence as you continue to use them for longer duration. However the time duration at which one finds tolerance and dependence cannot be determined based on others experience. Since you have been on this drug for 3 years, oxycodone tolerance is my first probable reason for increased pain. Degenerative bulging disc cannot be rectified with medicines. It can worsen with time. Follow up MRI is therefore essential in all patients with disc disease. Unless and until you been bending down to lift weights or your travel to work is a bumpy ride, I wouldn't point my fingers on work as the cause. In a nut shell, drug tolerance is most likely the cause of increased pain. But I agree with your doctors action here. You are already on maximum dose of neurontin. Percocet dose may be hiked. But before we do that, it is really important to have a follow up MRI. Hope this answers your question. Let me know if you need clarifications. Regards

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