Morning Chelsey! 
There is a lot of truth to what
Chutz just wrote here. Also, PT may help some, but it will not be easy, and you may feel like you have been run through the mill afterwards. However, don't give up on it, and make sure you give a good go at it.
I think most all members here will agree with you about
the pain med's. I don't think a single person here wants to be on them….and I'm with you on this one!….I hate taking them around the clock too! However, given the choice of moderate to severe pain, or a little relief by taking the pain med's….I will opt for the med's.
A little advice…would be, keep quite about
what, and how much pain med's your taking…...meaning, don't tell anyone your on them. I think it may save a whole lot of negative comments, from friends and or family, who may simply not understand, especially with all of the media hype plastered all over the country.
Are you getting at least some sort of relief, from the med's? ….and if not make sure you report this to you're PCD. I hate to see patients suffer needlessly!
White Beard, just wrote a very good response to one of our other members, concerning pain medications, and I think you would benefit reading it. The topic is:
"Work Opioids and Pain" …please take a peek at it. There are so many options that can be considered when taking these med's, and again,
Chutz makes a very good point about
the depression, that often accompany's chronic pain. Make sure you treat it as well, if you are suffering from it. There is nothing to be ashamed of, if you are suffering depression.
If you are still working, and it is a desk job, make sure you get up and move around frequently, as sitting places a lot more stress on the lower back than one might think. I'm sure inflammation may be playing a large part of you're back pain, so do what you can to keep it to a minimum.
Take care, and Im glad you came back to check in and update us here. Let us know how the PT goes as well.
Good Luck!….and hang tough! SE