@wisco50 I,m glad the ice is helping for me it is a live saver When I fractured my back the shower and hot water felt good and helped a lot . I use ice when needed then heat afterwards the Dr. told me and it does help . I never had surgery only my bypass but still ice and heat are my goto items for relief

I have had chronic back pain for many years; I admire you for going forth w/ surgery. I've been too chicken to fix the spurs that have resulted because my back issues have been going on so long. I also have 2 discs that have toppled over onto each other(spondolisthesis)? . Did you have that situation, by chance. I would welcome what else besides the ice that has helped you; heat helps some, not ice much for me. Ice does help my osteoarthritic kneeso don't know exactly why doesn't help my back. I think my back issues arose because of my highly physical work, in the past. I would like to hear from others how they cope w/ chronic back pain. Incidently, I lost almost an inch and a half of body height because of the lumbar stenosis. Also, how does a person approach the fact that back surgery would probably help but have had friends who said they were worse off after undergoing back surgeries.Light yoga helps some, especially the "child's pose". Congrats on going ahead w/surgery. We only get one life & I think I should try the surgery, in the not-too-distant future. What kind of ice pack(s) do you use?