Erin, I just wanted to add my 2 cents, since I empathize completely with staying in bed, chronic back pain and wondering what treatment/doctor to go with. It is scary and debilitating. I am unfamiliar with your particular condition and the terms that you use, for the most part, but it sounds to me that you have many wonderful friends who understand your situation and have pretty much concurred with your Neuro. I do know that the various kinds of PT can help immeasurably, to include the TENS Unit with which you are probably familiar. When electrodes are properly applied [on right place and with adequate conducting gel and adequate tape], the TENS can nix the muscle spasm type of pains many of your friends referred to in as little as a few minutes time. PT evaluation is necessary. I am also familiar with the advice re too much cortisone, and I too vote for PT v/s the injections. You might try consulting another pain specialist, again, of course, with your Neuro's knowledge. Carrying a complete list of meds from doc to doc, when multiple docs are needed, as in my case, is imperative in staying out of adverse reaction/side-effect trouble. Even then, it doesn't hurt to "google" a medication or to direct a question to Neuro members, as you did. The member who spoke of applying direct pressure to pain points had a good one - point that is. Love and Good PT to you. billie