I have lower back issues, and no amount of pain meds or injections ever help when I'm in pain. You could tell me you were going to take me to the fiery gates of hell if you could provide me relief and I would go. I went to see spinal surgeon Dr Dodwad and he recommended Pilates. Sounds silly I know, I thought so too, but I've been doing it for 2-3 years now and had marked improvement. I still have some pain flare ups occasionally, but it is far less painful than it used to be, far shorter tome to get upright again, and much more manageable on the whole. Even went skiing with the family at spring break this year, something I would never have dreamt of doing again a few years ago.

Just food for thought. I know it's no help for your actual question, but as a fellow back pain sufferer, I felt inclined to offer it up. I know how debilitating it can be, and how hopeless it can seem. Dr Dodwad is a very surgery averse surgeon, which was what I wanted. I didn't want the guy who goes straight to cutting you open.