Sounds like maybe you need a different medication for your pain... have you talked about making a change with your PM? If not, I would!
There are many here that suffer from chronic pain and are addicts. I too suffer from back problems. I have spinal stenosis, beginning stages of arthritis in my back, scar tissue build up that is hitting my sciatic nerve, and degenerative disc disease. I finally got to a point where I had to stop the pills because they were causing more pain. Many have found out that while on the pills we are actually in more pain than if we weren't taking them. Our brain makes us feel phantom pain in order for us to take a pill. You will find out that you will experience less pain once you stop the pills. While withdrawing you will feel a bit more pain but you have to realize it is rebound pain and only temporary. You can manage your pain with over the counter pain meds, light exercise, physical therapy, water therapy, steroid injections etc. Have you been to a pain management clinic? They are not only about giving pills to help pain. Their main goal is to get to the bottom of what is causing your pain and find alternative ways to mange it. Even your family doctor can prescribe prescription strength non narcotic pain relievers. There are so many different ones out there so don't give up trying them if the first one doesn't work.
If you plan on getting off the hydrocodone it isn't going to be a pain free experience. If you put your mind to it you can get off of them. My pain is much more manageable since I stopped.
Best of luck to you.
Brian