[MJHanna]

Prescriptions anti-inflammatories are your friend. Ask about doing a Facet Rhizotomy. They are good for 18-24 months . It can reduce the pain without major surgery. When you get to the point of no return due get a second opinion. Look for a neurosurgeon. Not sure what kind of surgery they are proposing right now. If it’s fusing make sure you understand how they want to do it. On mine they told me they would go in the front, move everything over cut, screw, then flip you over and place the hardware in on the back side. Ask about the “team” it’s more than just the surgeon. I just had it done in November 2010. I’m off all meds, pain pill, muscle relaxers etc. You have to work on it and do as they say after the surgery or you will screw it up royally. I was back to work in seven weeks. Right before I had mine I was so bad small stuff would set me off. I even picked on poor Sidney which I still feel bad about. PM me if you want more info. The more you understand BEFORE the better off you will be.