Well, it seems to be a lot less addictive. I've suffered from chronic pain for the last ten years (finally getting better!) and I don't know where I would be if it weren't for weed. Well, I'd be addicted to Oxycotin and who knows what else. As my pain decreases my smoking also decreases naturally, so I don't seem to have any addiction to it.
For the short-term you're probably going to need the pills. But once it starts going on past a week or two, I would investigate the options and make a decision from there. Remember that many doctors have financial motives behind the medicines they prescribe to you.
Just my $.02...and feel better soon!