My lower back was a pin cushion for about 2 years. Cortisone, Facet injections, Discagrams etc. All of'em SUCK. Had my L5-S1 fused about 4years ago, then had a Laminectomy 18 months later. Currently going through spinal decompression therapy to try and get the tingling out of both my legs and feet from the scar tissue, arthritis and bulging disk. Ive seen a couple doctors within the past year or so, both said L4-L5 needs fused/discectomy because the disk is junk. be happy the Cortisone gives you relief, they did NOTHING for me. Oh, and this back brace I wear....I hate it to. LOL All this and I'm only 30!