Chronic back pain Schmorls nodes/Tarlovs cysts
 

I was diagnosed on MRI with Schmorl's nodes and Tarlov's cysts in my spine. The neurosurgeon has told me he cannot operate or inject medication. I am unfortunately overweight (never had a weight problem until I quit smoking and went thru menopause in 2001).. but now here I am. I was told to lose weight and that should help to alleviate some of the pressure on my spine. My question, therefore, is twofold..
1. What types of exercise would be good? I cannot walk more than about 2 or 3 blocks before pain limits me. My goal is being able to run a marathon (more than a block long - haha).
2. Is there anything else out there besides the nonsteroidals anti-inflammatories (Like Celebrex and Motrin and ibuprofen) that are successful in relieving pain. I get about 3 hours a night of sleep.. often have to try and take a power nap in the middle of the day (about 30 minutes or so)..

It is becoming more of a challenge to lose weight (which I need to do to relieve the pain) due to the combination of pain, lack of sleep, lack of being able to get good exercise..

Funny thing is I can sit ... in my office chair (I work out of my home). My chair has been my lifesaver.. Thank God my job involves sitting and typing!

When the pain is too bad and I am up at 1 a.m. I can work until the pain slowly resolves. The pain is worse when I lay down (doesnt matter the position).. recline, or walk more than 2-3 blocks. Housework has become excruciating for my back too - bending over is the killer.

So if anyone has a good weight loss/exercise program for someone like me that is healthy or if anyone has any suggestions as to what type of pain reliever I can switch to without making me feel like a zombie.. but still relieve the pain and help me sleep, I will gladly welcome any advice you have. Thanks!