My DH was considering surgery for herniated disks and stenosis.
I asked to get a second opinion and consider alternate treatments.
Ironically, on the way to his second opinion, they called and cancelled. He's had trouble re-scheduling for one reason or another.

Since then, I've read MANY books on the topic. If you go to amazon.com, you'll see there are several. Lots of folks feel that there may be an emotional component with back pain. Apparently, if one has lots of stress in their life, it can cause tension and this can lead to pain...especially if that tension is repressed or prolonged.

Of course, each case is unique. Physical problems sometimes require surgery. However, tension after surgery can cause much of the same pain.

Almost by accident, DH has had improvement of late. Keeping my fingers crossed that it lasts.....

It is UNUSUAL...but I say, what does it matter, really? The bottom line is to feel better because this horrible pain is the pits.

What he's been doing is the following:
1. Drinking one glass of white wine each night
2. Walking 20 minutes every morning early in the morning...outside (5 days a week).
3. He drinks a little coffee in the morning (always did that), but now drinks a a cup of coffee in the mid afternoon as well.
4. If he has even a little discomcort in the afternoon, he takes a Naproxen.
5. He takes a NeuroOptimizer tablet and B12 tablet before bed. You can get them at the health food store. The help with memory.
5. He's going to bed about 30 minutes earlier than he use to.

For him...this new routine...knock on wood, throwing salt over my shoulders, lighting a candle, has helped. He is open to trying other things and/or getting a second opinion if necessary. Of course, we are hoping the improvement continues.

I write it in hope that it might help someone else. Please keep a positive thought.