I’ve had several sports related ortho procedures and always come home with hydrocodone or Percocet. It’s almost like the goodie bag that the dentists office gives you. I only tried one dose once. Not only did I hate the constipation, but I tolerated the pain well and only used ibuprofen for any pain control, which a new study seems to indicate works better for joint pain than the prescription drugs.
I’d also suggest active release therapy for joint pain. It’s a newer form of chiropractic that really works. I recovered from a severe shoulder injury quickly combining great physical therapy, ART and heavily banded pull ups.
Having said this, I’ve rarely had low back pain and can’t imagine the suffering related to it.