I’m still in pain after a car accident. Why won’t my doctor prescribe more pain medication?

DEAR DOCTOR K: I have been in pain since a car accident a few years ago. My doctor is very conservative in prescribing pain medication. Why not just give me what I need to feel better?
DEAR READER: I don't know the particulars of your case, but I think you are talking about narcotic (opioid) pain medicines. And your doctor probably is reluctant to prescribe opioid medicines for chronic pain -- the kind I assume you now have if your accident was a few years ago.