hello, I am a 44 year old mechanic with chronic back/knee pains. I have a narrowing in the L4/L5 area and, sciatic problems there also. I have been taking 10/325 Norco on and off for many years now(under supervision). My problem is that it does not seem to take away my back pain for very long anymore. Is there an extended release pain medication that would possibly work better??? I am assuming that my body is building a tolorance. Unfortunatly, I think i am dependant on the pain medication in order to continue my career. I am not up for any kind of back surgery at this time(no health insurance, and have watched mother go through 6 surgeries for the same thing, and she is still taking pain medication.) am I dependant, or am I a drug addict???