I have various issues with my back including DDD arthritis and spondylitis and something else. It’s not all in the same place either so I get to choose which pain I deal with depending on my position and activity level. I also have fibromyalgia and other things so my life consists of trying to do enough chores in the house to keep it running while playing a game of “find the right position for today. “ It’s such a challenging game. But when I win, the pay off is worth it.
My house is in a mess most days. My life is a constant struggle. I am so tired of fighting. I am depressed. I am just fed up with this crazy life. Each day the sun comes up anyway. The universe doesn’t care that I need a break. I am sorry you are feeling so bad too.
I am skeptical about surgery (any orthopedic surgery) because I used to work in a hospital and the orthopedic surgery floor was the most difficult. (We didn’t have a burn unit.). I just don’t think I can do it. If the surgery works, then you can be pain free. But if it doesn’t, the pain can be worse than before. I don’t like the odds either. It’s just too risky for me. I am happy that it has worked well for some folks.
I don’t know what to advise you to do that might improve your life. I have heard a couple of things that work for others but I cannot attest to their effectiveness:
1) grounding. AKA earthing.
2) increase magnesium intake and bathe in epsom salt
3) CBD oil with THC and without
4) marijuana
5) kratom
Personally, I have not tried the CBD oil nor the marijuana at all because of the expense and the legal issues that might arise. The Kratom might work but my body rejected it 🤮and I had no benefit as a result. The magnesium was recommended for fibromyalgia and may not be appropriate for you but it only helped me a tiny bit. The grounding/earthing is something to try. I am not certain that it helps me or not. My therapist and my doctor both think it’s a good idea, whether it works or not, because they say it gets me outside and that’s beneficial to my overall well-being. So, I have nothing fabulous to offer.
There is a team of physical therapists on YouTube who post videos on various techniques to help. You can search for “physicaltherapyvideos” and this will bring you to their channel. They are from Wisconsin and Minnesota Bob and Brad are their names.
Here’s a link to one of their videos. I hope you’re able to find some relief.