Hi, my name is Linda and I had this procedure done also in my lumbar region last Thursday. I had no IV, nothing to relax, I went into my doctors office and bam! I was on his table almost an hour. I have to admit too, that it was painful and also kind of traumatic. I really have never had anything done to me when I was awake that even compares to it. Afterwards I was quite sore. Now this morning, I thought I could feel the old pain. This afternoon, I could not notice it as much, but then again, I had a terrible day. I am not real far along in the what comes after of this, but I will have to see what happens in the next few weeks. For me, the jury is still out. I am too new to this to say if it is better. For what it is worth-Linda