Does anyone out there have a extra bone in the back? I have a L6.

My daughter had an extra bone in her neck. It was only on one side and began to interfere. When her hand and arm on the side w the extra bone began to go numb, surgery removed the extra bone and an adjacent level was fused to realign the mis-aligned bones that are normally there. She is doing fine now. She's 59.

elaine, your husband is a romantic.
Pretty much all mammals have C6 and C7 vertebra. Less the 1% of humans have and extra rib at that level.
https://samarpanphysioclinic.com/cervical-rib/
Advancing scoliosis increases the torque or upper body twist. If low body scoliosis is to the left the upper body rotation will be to the right. Increased rotation may have made you aware of that previously untroublesome extra rib.
What will you do for the pain.

@elaineinmontana60: I see from your prior posts that you've certainly had a great deal of surgical interventions and pain issues, now to learn that you're among the up to 10% or so of the population that has an extra lumbar vertebra that has likely been congenital - present since birth - must be unsettling. I used to read MRI reports and would occasionally come across this phenomenon so tell your husband you're not out of this world, just a member of a unique group of earthlings! There's even a name for it: Bertolotti's syndrome. It is true that for some it does not cause any issues at all,,,,but for some, even after years and years, there is potential it can cause discomfort similar to arthritis. Now, I don't know for certain this is the exact case for you, but it sounds like it may be worth discussing further with the doctor who brought it to your attention.

I can understand being wary of more surgery, but there can definitely be other alternatives to explore or consider. Do you have any specific questions to ask this doctor about what treatment options there might be?

@grammato3 Thank you, I had no idea it had a name, my parents are no longer living, so I don't know who I inherited it from....it does not unsettle me at all, I found it interesting truthfully. My back issues are I think because I lost my core strength, and I also lost five inches of height. I am wary of surgery, and my Doc seems to tell me to often...." well you are 67 Elaine". I wish I was around when he is 67. I am wary of surgery at this point, seems to open a whole other can of worms, and there is never a easy answer, but Thank you. I am ready to explore other options, I would rather be opioid free.

@gently I had to laugh, I don't think my husband is a romantic. He is thinking more of the Alien style......with the big teeth. 🙂

Well, a sense of humor is a good quality in a husband, too. In this case try to misunderstand him. You sound good natured as well.
Your doctor, though, best to be cautious of those who think life is already over for us. (My cardiologist is surprised I'm not dead) There's wisdom in avoiding opioids if there is a procedure or surgery that will resolve the pain,
I hope you have good luck and keep posting your discoveries.

@gently The world seems a better place with you in it, and I thank you for your kindness.

@elaineinmontana60: I'm glad you found it interesting! If you've had a few abdominal surgeries, you're correct that loss of core strength may be contributing to your discomfort. Have you ever tried physical therapy? That often assists with issues of core strength, and is one of the modalities that may be recommended for Bertolotti syndrome, if that is confirmed. Although I used the word congenital, meaning present at birth, there is the possibility this condition may indeed be genetic - an inherited connection passed down in families. If you'd like to explore this possibility, you can check with other relatives to see if any have had or heard of this among family members.

Age can certainly be a factor that contributes to pain due to break down in bones muscles, joints and/or nerves, although it is not necessarily a given for everyone; it may also be linked to underlying medical conditions so there is no need to give up and accept this as an inevitable decline. I can appreciate the desire to avoid opioids. Would you be open to a conversation with your provider about other treatment modalities to address your core strength and pain? These could include not just physical therapy (PT) but massage therapy, acupuncture, even mindfulness stress techniques like meditation or cognitive behavioral therapy.

@grammato3 Thank you for your helpful suggestions, I have been doing Physical Therapy, I go twice a year, as much as my insurance allows, I also see a Scar Tissue intuitive therapist, and I might add that she is not in my insurance group, but I find it so helpful that I pay out of pocket. And yes, she is well worth the money spent. I do practice meditation, and have for many years, it is one of my go to for intense pain...The problem with the core strengthening, I have many ugly and large hernia's. They are more of a problem at this point, I am also on a weight loss journey, believe me, I have tried just about everything, and I do take opioids, and I would rather NOT. I am still on the same dose, and have been on a low one for some time. I cared for my Mom, for the last twenty years of her life, and have seen that rabbit hole. I'm not ready to give up, but I am looking for solutions. Thank you.

@elaineinmontana60: You have taught me something new: a scar intuitive therapist. From what I researched, such practitioners work on somatic memories stored in the scar tissue along with the adhesions themselves, so a sort of complimentary medicine that incorporates myofascial release and energetic type healing modalities. Thank you for sharing that.

I admire your determination along the complex path you've been down. Keep your options open and let me know more about how your journey unfolds!