Chronic pain and how to treat it.

[East Bay Rider]

I had spinal disk fusion surgery back on April 24. The surgery included fusing the L4 and L5 disks with rods and screws, scraped the arthritis out, repositioned the nerves out of the way and added a titanium spacer and cadaver bone.
The MRI tells that I'm healing properly but it's 5 months out and I'm still experiencing a lot of pain. I've met with the PAC who worked for the surgeon (my surgeon has passed away) and the PAC of the other Dr in the practice. She takes notes of what I tell her and orders MRIs and x-rays but hasn't been able to really offer a solution only tell me that usually other patients feel better by now. Sitting more than 2-1/2 hours upright in a chair becomes unbearable. Reclining is good though and provides the relief that most people get from normal sitting.
Due to job security concerns I'm trying to return to the office but in a limited, part time capacity of no more than 4 hours per day until I can handle full time again. After working for 4 hours I go home and recline for a couple of hours to "recharge" before I can get up and move around again.
I was on Meloxicam for 10+ years but I've stopped taking it due to the NSAID concerns but I'm popping quite a bit of Tylenol which isn't good either. I'm looking for ideas for something else that might help. My company does quite a bit of military/government contract type work so I won't consider marijuana or anything else risky to being tested for. Someone suggested Kratom which I'd never heard of before but upon reading about it seams like a bad idea.
I am interested in hearing about any other pain remedies that are safe and legal to help me get back to a normal life.