Just before moving out to Idaho, I had herniated the disc between L4/L5. Mind you, at the time I had thought it was only a slipped disc. For over 5 weeks, I'm in you-know-what kind of pain, seeing both my internist and chiropractor, packing up, driving to ID from NJ. Finally, I see a back specialist here in Idaho Falls and learn about ruptures. My drug was Vioxx. Within one day, I was dancing with NO PAIN! A 3 week course of 50mg for one week, 25mg the next two. I hope it comes back on the market again, BECAUSE IT WORKS! I see a physical trainer once a week and my routine is spine-neutral to strengthen the lower back without putting strain on it. Acouple minor twinges for the next 18 months, but since then so-far-so-good.
I still can not stand for more the a few seconds with my upper body tilted forward or a few minutes standing still upright. And there are good golf days, and there are bad ones.

From what I've been advised, fusion is last resort. Bad news is, you are going to have to adjust your exercise. And hope that we can have "Better Living through Chemistry" again. (to borrow the Dow Chemical slogan)

__________________
Mark _______________________________
2001 X5 4.4i topaz blue/sand Sport, complete Dinan S2 , hitch, V1, tint, BSW Stage 1, Alpine INA-W910BT
___________
Life is not fair!
You can't protect people from their own stupidity!
Laughter makes life worth living