How long ago was the accident?

What kind of things did therapy do for you?
any of these?
traction
ultrasound
massage
If stim/TENS etc.
low level laser
whole body posture
how to move so less strain on the areas?
Or stretches and strengthening only?

If you are feeling worse during PT , then something isn't right.
Maybe a different place or therapist might be worth a try.

Maybe some alternatives for pain relief?
meditation, hypnosis, relaxation, acupuncture

Perhaps an advanced PT and/or expert chiropractor???

I don't know what type of surgery might be done if the doctor wanted to do it, but on our spinal forum there are quite a few that had fusions and the nearby levels eventually fail from the added strain. Just an FYI about that.

You might also want to read on our spinal forum to find members w/similar issues.
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

I learnt first hand that you certainly can have adverse reactions to stopping medication.
You build up a tolerance to some and so need increasing doses. To some extent you become dependent on them.
I stopped Tramadol after reading about pain meds actually causing pain. Luckily I wasn't on a consistently high dose so my withdrawal was limited to restless legs and a few minor things for a couple of days. Others have had far more serious symptoms.
You really must consult your doctor if you want to cut down.
I was quite surprised by the level of pain meds I was able to cut down to after stopping the Tramadol.
Would never have believed it as I thought my pain was increasing. It was just the Tramadol.
So give it a go under supervision-you too may have a positive outcome.