I haven't read the whole thread, but you said a TENS unit helps? I don't know if your doctor/physical therapist told you this or not, but they can write you a Rx for one and you can actually go purchase one for yourself to use whenever.
I was having to just use the one of the physical therapy place until they told me I could get a Rx for one.
You may already know that/have one, just thought I would point that out.
Hope you get to feeling better!

And maybe I am on a road paved to hell, but at least when I get there I'll have a great story to tell...

If you never go out on that limb, you're missing one hell of a view.