Sorry I missed this thread.
As someone doing pain management for the last 2+ years I have run in to some interesting ideas. Everymorning and then several time through the day I pop my litany of pills to stave the pain.
For non narcotic methods I have been doing some reading on lately is acupuncture.
Here is a list of some of the issues that the WHO believe acupuncture might be helpful in alleviating pain. I am not a big fan of alternative theories of pain relief but this one is getting a lot of talk on pain management sites I visit.
Have you thought about a T.E.N.S. machine? They even make them small enough now so you can wear it while you have to be out and about. I know many people with back pain who swear by these machines.