25 years with a bad back. You end up just having to live with it. Even after surgery you will still have a bad back, it's not a fix all but it may relieve some pressure. I watch mine all the time but I can do almost anything if I am careful I take 3 lortabs a .day for pain, been doing that for 5 yrs now, I walk the dogs 4 times a day ...rain or shine. You just got to keep active or it only gets worse. Don't know your wt but if you are over weight dump it. You will never feel good carrying around a sack of spuds because your stomach muscles are the ones that hold up your back. As soon as pot becomes legal here i will get on that and off the pills. All the best.........walk walk walk.