So who is Esther and where is the class ? I don't know if that can help me. I have no disc left between L4-5 and others starting to go. I was also told I need fusion but also warned that problems could occur above and below the fused area (by the same surgeon who suggested fusion) but my pain is bad after I walk and especially going up and down stairs. It seems like it's getting worse only on my left side. So what can I do ? My problem is because of the disc degeneration more than bulging discs I think. It's hard to sort everything out. Advice appreciated. My pain is not very typical according to another surgeon. My calf muscles twitch and throb after walking, painfully and keeps me awake when it gets beyond a certain point.