Hi fellow sufferer, yes I am overwhelmed with pain —lumbar—getting up in the morning. My extreme pain from degeneration of discs is worst after lying down for a long time. I always have to keep medication beside the bed, low dosage Hydromorphone and Tylenol to help. Most importantly my walker is on brakes beside the bed for support. After the painful effort to straighten up, in a few minutes it will subside, but that walker is invaluable to safely get to bathroom. I only use the walker for mornings and if I am expecting to visit the hospital for a test etc. I notice a difference in aging from the pain. During the day I am not too active because of the cold snowy weather. There is an option for a warm therapy pool I will be trying.