Hi HDWPursley
None of us are Doctors and none of us know you or your mother so it's impossible for any of us to speak with any authority.
I suffer from chronic pain issues tho - I have for many years. By working with a dedicated pain management specialist, and being honest about my past problems, we've worked out a strategy thats best for me.
There are many other painkillers available outside opiates, and many other treatments such as physiotherapy that may be applicable.
I'd encourage your mother to look into all her pain management options - and now rather than later
D