I went for the first injection on my left side were most of the pain was and the sharp pains going down my left leg are gone.

Yesterday I got juiced up again on my right lower back which the procedure was more painful but I'm feeling better as the injection is working. I know this isn't the cure but it's a bandaid to get me fishing now. I have this awesome back brace too. I'm not sure how long the injection will last.

Good luck to you. I am currently having to take care of my mother after two spinal surgeries. All I can tell you is to avoid the knife for as long as you can.

I've been operated on for other problems. I feel my old battered body from hard work can't take much more. I refuse the knife now.

This holiday is special. It's 9 months since I my prostate cancer is in remission. Trust me the grille is being fired up all day.

Now if I can put this back pain on the shelf I'll be ok.

Congrats on the prostate. Are you sure we are not related my dad died of prostate cancer two years ago.

Bigbill glad your able to get and fish this year hang in there man! Hopefully that back brace and injection keeps you going for awhile

Good to hear you get to still fish.  I wish you the best and feel better buddy.

Bill, good to hear that the injections are helping.

Awesome....I know your enjoying this day.  Like it says in the Big Book....don't worry about tommorrow....today has enough troubles of it's own.

Here's hoping to a speedy healing and many tight lines

You're in our prayers bill. I've had injections in my neck and it's not fun. Glad you got some relief  

Ok went for PT today. Pretty gal, but she evaluated my leg muscles and she said my legs are very strong. I was logging from '79 till 2000 full and part time.

Ok my problem is my inner core muscles are weak. She gave me an exercise to do ten reps every two hours. Looks good so far.

Double fusion low back here. Honestly was the best choice I made. I have never felt better then I do now.. But yes surgery isn't for everyone.. Build the core muscles up and the rest will follow. GL luck and hope you have pain free fishing for years to come..

FWIW I've known people who the injections worked for years. If they get u out of pain and you strengthen your core, there is a good chance you can avoid the knife. I wish u all the best on avoiding surgery.

I have had 2 separate herniated disc surgeries and could not be happier with the results from each one. I feel great!

Stay strong!

Also if surgery does become unavoidable, there are many options. An old fashion lamenectomy, or lamenotomy, decompression by removing part of a disc, fusions etc. The worse I endured was my second double fusion L4-S1, they went through my stomach to get to the spine. Lamenectomies aren't as bad, but many times major tendons are removed which weakens your spine even more. Newer technologies minimally invasive type would be best. Over the past 22 years I've had five spine surgeries, they all suck. I'm just 45, and will most likely have to have more, educate yourself as much as possible. Spineuniverse.com is a great resource