For a few years my problem has been creeping up on me. Recently, it has become hard to remain standing much less walking. So I finally broke down and went to my doctor. I've had an xray and a MRI, with nothing coming up. I've seen two doctors and my current one gave me a shot in my back that gave me a decent amount of relief for a few weeks. So he set me up for physical therapy. I did that for about three weeks. The basic pattern was that when I usually left for about a good hour or so, I'd feel great. Then the pain and tightness would return and cripple me. So now I'm scheduled for a Radio Frequency Ablation. Which my doctor said will give me significant pain relief for up to 18 months or longer. So now I'm just waiting for my insurance to approve the procedure.

Here is the problem. About a month ago my doctor wrote a long letter to my employer allowing me to work from home. I do have medication. Tramadol but if I take two it halves the pain but I still can't walk in a few minutes and on top of that the medication slows me down. If I take three, It puts me to sleep. Then out of nowhere last week, I got a new job. Clearly I haven't told them about my back problems. My start date is three weeks from now and I fear that I might not get insurance approval before then. So I'm debating trying to hit the gym and lose some weight. My doctor said that may or may not help. I am a bit overweight now due to depression and other reasons.

So here I am wondering if anyone has any advice, anything I can try, medications, anything. I just want to be able to stand and walk for my new job and I'm nervous.

I'm sure you are many years younger than me. I've dealt with back (lower) for going on 60 yrs. I've done chiro, acupuncture, massage, PT, osteopath work...you name it I've done it, ALMOST. Since hip replacement 5 yrs ago everything is worse for me.

I've ended up with much more Burning in lower back and deal with nerve damage. I've been using Inosine and Sphingolin for nerve burn/tingle issues and it is helping me. You may want to do some research on those for your back inflammation. Does your lower back BURN?

Eliminating many food types like sugars/carbs can make a difference. Omega 3 and other good oils are important too.

Do you take any other supplements for joint health?

Can you think of why this all came on so fast as I'm reading your story.

The RFA isn't something I would do, but that's me. I don't like too much of the cortisone injections either...I've done very few over many many years. For the little relief they can give, they are known to do bone damage.

Wish you good luck whatever you decide.

Chiropractic care perhaps? (expert /skilled )
Find a good one that uses low level laser & IF stim and does soft tissue work..
Possibly one that does upper cervical adjusting if you ever had upper body /head hit or bumps.

If you have a weak core (or excess tummy weight) that can pull/strain lower back..