keneiges, I caught your post and thought I would chime in. When I first heard of the vertiflex implant, I thought it was exactly what I needed to relieve the same pain you are expericncing. The first doctor who I interviewed about it said I was a perfect candidate. Prior to meeting him, an orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon didn't recommend it. In fact they both said I was inoperable due to mild scoliosis at l1 and t12. After finding another doctor who was familiar with the vertiflex implant said I was not a candidate at all and he would not do it. His reason was in line with both the neuro and ortho surgeon. Since then I met with two neurosurgeons and an orthopedic surgeon and both recommended spinal fusion from s1 to t10. Chances are, the veriflex would not hold at all and the question was when would it slip out of place. Most likely it would, because the spine will naturally curve more as you age. Now I am trying to get a handle on osteopenia which is causing the neurosurgeon to hold back on moving forward with surgery at this time. I would suggest getting more opinions regarding your bone health at this time. Their a likelyhood that your spine will move or adjust in thr future and that could cause your implant to slip out of place. You may have perfect posture and excellent bone health which will reduce your chances of a failed procedure. If you haven't had a dexa scan and MRI of your entire spine, you might want to consider that before proceding. I have been following the Mayo clinic osteoperosis forum for information on bone health, you could check that out as well.