I thought I was coming along pretty well. I took my vacation in March and had a great time. I tried to take long walks each day, but I could feel myself tightening up the last two days. I returned home and tried to go to work and went through the worst week of back pain (severe muscle spasms) that I have ever gone through. I finally got over them with the aid of muscle relaxant, ibuprofen, and ice. Also, I had my 2nd epidural (1st last Nov.) and continued to see the chiropractor. I had an appointment with my Dr. and decided to seek a 2nd opinion, this time with a neurosurgeon. I had my 1st visit 2 weeks ago, they looked at my previous MRI and had me go through some walking exercises. My balance was awful due to the numbness and stiffness in my lower legs and feet. They weren't convinced my problem was in my lower back. Tomorrow I will have an MRI on my cervical spine and lower spine again. I recall getting this advice from someone earlier (thinkitdoit7). I have been over my back pain for nearly 3 weeks now. 2 weeks ago during my visit with the neurosurgeon, I was placed on 300mg x 3 times/day of Gabapentin. I can't believe how much difference that has made! Hopefully, I'm going to get to the bottom of my problem. I'm so glad that I got this 2nd opinion and did not listen to some of my friends telling me to get my surgery done. I still may have to have surgery. I know that after it is done, it cannot be undone.