@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?