I have often wondered about a brace myself. I bought a pretty expensive 'support' and you can melt this piece of plastic to conform to your spine...I just haven't gotten around to it....I didn't have a professional look at it though, and I am sure a PT might have some ideas.

I really should inquire about having a PT eval regarding something like that.

Great tip, thanks...It might really help. A brace might beat surgery for you, and gives me some hope that I can get some relief from my dessicated disc thingie too.