HI Andy! I too, suffer from back/spine problems. My L5-S1 virtually have nothing between them, so are bone on bone. I had epidurals in the past, which for me, didn't help. Back pain is awful and I really sympathise w/you being so young and going through so much pain.

I am 53, so can hardly relate to what you are feeling, but I do have many other sx's that yes, belong to other ailments that can also affect the way my back feels. Spasms are awful and trying to find a comfy way to sleep is almost impossible.

I hope you can find something that helps and can forego surgery. By coming here, you'll find that we are all in agreement that back pain is miserable. Keep us posted on how your'e doing, OK? take care....