Thanks for the detailed replies, everyone--I really appreciate it.

I'm definitely looking into getting a second opinion. Not because I think surgery is the right answer, but I've had physical therapy 5 different times, epidural shots, acupuncture, chiropractics, physical trainers, everything, and it seems to never work. I don't want to be put on any more meds, especially narcotics, but it's getting harder and harder to live with the pain.

I'm not feeling too optimistic about it all. It's hard to add this to my plate that's already full of mental illnesses. I just want to be able to do things people my age can do.

Thanks again.