I had an L4-S1 fusion April 2023 the pain got worse but the surgeon said everything’s healed go back to work. Almost a year later I’m using a cane can walk far because of pain. Seen 2 other surgeons agreed everything’s good , all of them says go get a pain stimulator. My urologist sent me to a pelvic therapist (I thought that was for women) after her doing internal therapy a lot of the pain eased I still have some pain in my back and different nerve pain in my legs . I had the surgery because when I bent over I would about fall (L5 was loose) I’m still having some trouble standing up and don’t bend over very well. I had L4 replaced and fused in 2002 then hardware removed in 2003. You might discuss the pelvic therapy with your doctor as another option