I've had 3 spinal fusion surgeries and only as a last resort. I tried everything from cortisone injections to PT. Opiates are not a solution for me since they all make me deathly ill. Surgery should be your last resort. Even though I didn't find relief from everything else I tried, I'm glad I tried it all first. At least, I know there wasn't anything else out there. Please keep us posted on your decision and progress. Oh, and I have the "cage" and cadaver bone - probably SOP.