Hi DM
My L-spine showed: 3 Disc Bulges, 1 bone spur, Osteo and Spondylosis. It looks like you are coming up right behind me! SORRY

I have had low back pain, constant, for 4 years. Last night it was so bad I never went to sleep. Finally got up about 5AM and took a full vicodin (usually take 1/2)

I have a spine specialist too. Typically (at least in my case) he is my "Pain Management" doctor. He prescribes my med's every 30 days. I have an anti-inflamatory, Vicodin and zanaflex.

He also set me up in PT, which has helped, but with *tears* in my eyes, I can tell you that the pain still has not stopped.

As I understand it, it will never go away. I have not had a totally pain free night of sleep in all these years.

I've lost a full inch in height!

I did get the steroid injection into my pain spot last december, and it was like a miracle...but only lasted about a month.

These are all the conservative methods I spoke about.

Lately been thinking, and very sad, that for the rest of my life, I will live in pain. They can't fix it. I know there are alternatives like surgery (disc replacement, etc) but I've not gone that route...YET.

What I can offer you is this; Be very careful with your back. Avoid falls , avoid heavy lifting (for me that means my cat!), don't push snow, sweep floors, run....anything...it will add to the damage.

Okay, I've just told you not to do anything but sit there and look pretty, which I bet you do well....but as for me? I just keep living. I have too, and I pay for everything I do, everything.

I do hope you are not as seriouse as me....but do plan on the PT/They teach you to use your stomach muscles instead. . ..for what its worth.

PS: if you have that bone spur pushing on your spinal cord...that may require intervention...mine dosen't...but from what I understand, they will pretty much insist on it, as the longer it pushing on the spinal cord, it will cause permanant damage...like numbness, tingleing, or unable to walk...things you are familiar with already....Do tell us what the doc says!