And now, for some good news: I just accepted a position as Education Policy Analyst with the Congressional Research Service at the Library of Congress, starting in September. I am excited!
I have tried a number of the things suggested by the AP hive mind - thank you everyone! I went and got an MRI of the lower back and have made appointments with a hip guy and a back guy. The hip guy today told me that I have a herniated disk in my lower back and that I should do more physical therapy and see a back guy. Pretty discouraged at the moment, as I am not able to sleep through the night without taking hydrocodone. Will try more sustained physical therapy...