I was prescribed (gabapentin) one for nerve pain in my lower leg. It didn't really help my leg pain at all, but when I was having tendonitis in my wrist around the same time the doctor recommended the cream for that, and it did help. Maybe your doctor can recommend another oral pain medication that doesn't have as bad of withdrawal issues...if nothing else, the muscle relaxant
Flexeril or even a milder one.

Best wishes to you,
Kay