Hello, Bonnie and all. I have bulging discs, lumbar vert. are all herniated. Had a cracked T12. I had a procedure for T12 in which the radiologist laproscopically got as much 'stuff' back where it needed to be, then inserted an ortho. 'cement'. That was 12 years ago. I've had almost no pain since the day of the procedure, walked out with a bandaid. The lumbar is a mess and the ortho group I was seeing for years before Mayo were heading to back surgery. I wasn't interested.....but.....so I had cortisone shots in my lumbar that were extremely painful, but I didn't care since they stopped most of the pain for a month or so. Got them every 2-3 months. At Mayo, no shots! Love it. I had decided no more cortisone in my body, as I have Sarcoid and had huge dosages of steroids in my 40's to get it under control. Worked, have to have a few days of steroids when my lungs get unhappy, but no more shots. I find medical cannibis is my salvation. I take a dropper of 1:1 tincture at night, w/additional CBD if needed later. No pain at night. Sleep is wonderful and such a healer. But, with morning and movement, I have pain. I use a touch of THC, just a tiny spray, and a 1/2 dropper of CBD, when I need pain help. It helps. I also use Voltarin cream for years, only as needed, and where needed. It takes the edge off the pain, helps a lot w/arthritis/joint pain.You know what helps me the most...added to these treatments....water therapy. I go to the Y 2X daily, my medicare supplement pays for the membership. I can occasionally enjoy the RECUMBANT only stepper, no bicycle or circular movement. BUT, the warm, therapy pool for an hour of walking, stepping, movement is heaven. It helps the entire body/mind/soul! Let me know if you try it. I recommend it to all my friends....after doc gives his ok. BTW: It doesn't affect my BP as a hot tub does. 94 degree water is lovely. Elizabeth