Davey i'm a little late on the thread, but i hope you decide to follow your drs. Suggestions with the meds...you may be able to get by with a low dosage and some counseling, here we use a combination of psych./meds chronic for pain managment.
Please don't let other persons experience/thoughts on their problems worry you or deter you, your goal can be reached.
My mother was prescribed opiates for chronic pain during physical therapy, they helped her tremendously while she strength ened her muscles and allowed her to live better.