Did you ever have any physical therapy or the dr only Rx'd the meds???

You might look into getting an evaluation by a expert chiropractor..
I will say I have had good results with mine.
some info-
http://www.upcspine.com/self.htm

my thoughts.
the meds covered the pain but did nothing to "fix" the problem - so after time maybe something more was going on in your spine and you didn't feel it due to the meds..
now off meds you are feeling it.

I'd find a new Doctor - like a physiatrist or spine rehab focused one.

how recent is your newest MRI? c spine & lumbar??
If none recently that would be a good next step to see what is new & if something has changed.