I'm just plain broke as well and wary of any medication ......
I'm going the surgery route soon. I have an MRI Tuesday. I do not like to take any medication so am trying to shop around for a structural repair.
I'm skeered of cadaver fusion and another surgery right now.
I'd prefer the dope I confess.
For now....I just live with it. I have some Zanaflex....weak shite but it helps.