I have problems in lower L
Fusion, remove vertebra with micro surgery (very dangerous) extend the space (gap) using cadaver cartilage... rods, pins. drills and thus fusion I know many that have had it including head nurse she told me works for a while but the pain returns a year or so later. Pending on bone density, those pins become lose the pain comes back worse! My advise is keep taking your pain meds follow your doctors directions if he says 4/day you don't take 8/day right? because what happens? thats right withdrawal from narcotics not pretty. Get the straight 10-15 oxycodone instead of hydrocodone/apap or percocet ok.. oxy/tylenol
John