@ashby1947 I've had three back surgeries and I was scheduled for surgery to have my SI joint screwed to my pelvic bone. This was three years ago and I canceled the surgery the day after I went in for the pre-op. I told them I didn't want to have that done until I can no longer walk. It's a surgery that I've heard so many pros and cons so I'm happy that I didn't follow through with the surgery. My joint slips out and I have a great chiropractor that puts it back in place. I live with back pain every day and standing for long periods or walking any distance bring on more pain. I'm not one to take pain pills and usually only take Advil. I have muscle relaxers from my last surgery that I've taken every couple months, usually after doing too much gardening. The pills are 5 years old and I'm not sure how effective they are. I've done numerous injections and have quit doing those. I could only have 3 a year and they started wearing off after just a couple weeks. I'm 71 and had my first back surgery for a herniated disc when I was 56. The second surgery was to put in rods and screws and the last surgery was to put in a cage at the top of my rods. I can truly relate to what you're going through. Back pain can be so debilitating and I refuse to let it stop me but it sure has slowed me down.