I had L5 S1 surgery six years ago. I totally blew my disc, had radiculopathy down both legs, and oxycontin would even touch the pain.

Here are some things to consider:

1. Spinal Decompression: You go in for a month of visits and put you in machine that decompresses the discs. 80% success rate

2. Chiropractic: Find a good one. Mine has changed my life. We took a photo of my back two weeks ago and the improvement was incredible. Better spacing.

3. Find a good Physical Therapist: What I found important with physical therapy was to add one exercise at a time, to assure it was not causing further pain. Strengthening the core muscles is very important

4. Dr. Yeung: He is teaching all over the country, and does disc replacements. He is in Arizona. He also put the "X" titatnium piece in for folks with stenosis. This opens up the closed canal. He and his father are quite well know, Dr. Chris and Anthony Yeung.

Hope this helps. Stay positive if you can. I don't think anyone can explain how deep back pain goes. It rips you apart. It's unlike any pain I have every experienced.

Heal well...

Lisa