I'm 54. Had fusion l4,5,s1, 7 screws and plate. My wife has scoliosos and wore a brace. She has difficulties because shes older now. From both our experiences i can tell you keep moving, excercise, physical therapy, acupuncture, massages, and biofreeze. No ibprofen or anything like it. Will eat your stomach. Keep yourself up, happy, positive, even on bad days. You have to keep the muscles loose, stay away from tension as much as possible.