One thing about the vertiflex procedure is you HAVE to be sure not to bend, lift, or twist for 6 weeks. So it is helpful to have someone available to help you. I never experienced any pain afterward. Except my rib cage was very tender. The dr said he had never heard anyone complain about that, And I felt somewhat better a few weeks out. It has been 3 months and I still feel pretty good for the most part. I am mainly concerned how long this will last. I have experienced feeling much better several months after my previous surgeries but after a couple of years I end up having stenosis in other parts of my spine. My dr. did say that when you have the vertiflex inserted the steroid shots work better. And sometimes it takes more than one to be inserted. I think medicare pays for a total of 3. I see him on May 19th so I will be able to tell you more probably after that. But feel free to ask me anything else before then.