Hello Rick, and welcome to NeuroTalk.

I'm sorry to hear about the pain you've been having with your back. We have other's with similar concerns as your own, and I think you'd get good advice regarding your questions if you were to post them in our Spinal Disorders Forum. Here's the direct link : http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forum22.html

Good luck. I hope you get relief soon.