Thanks all. I really appreciate the kind words.
Sammy - I had a bad car accident about 10 years ago and came close to breaking my back in that same spot. My Chiropractor was able to get everything back to normal, but I guess over the years, more problems developed.
It has gone out more frequently, and each time it took less to throw it, and the result was worse. The final blow happened late September. All I did was step up wrong, and felt a twinge. I went downhill fast.
Went to the chiropractor a few times, and it didn't help. Then the sciatica kicked in and man, I have never felt pain like that. Went to the doctor, tried pain killers and muscle relaxants, physical therapy, etc. The therapist told me not to bother coming back. So my doctor sent me to an Orthopaedic Surgeon. He took x-rays, and saw some joint degeneration. I also started developing partial paralysis in my left leg. He sent me in for an MRI which confirmed everything. Never had surgery before, but the joint degeneration pretty much negates any other procedures, such as steroid injections, discectomy, etc. And 4 months later, I still feel it.
They are removing the disc and using a fusion device. They will place titanium spacers between the vertebrae, and wrap a cage around it. They use only artificial bone, so they don't need to drill a hip core (phew!).
Believe me, I wish I had a viable alternative. But it doesn't seem there are any.
