First, let me say thank you to all of your replies. I must begin by saying I didn't just fall off the apple cart with this degenerative disease. I am 69 years old, an avid bicyclist and walker. I've experienced sciatica and back pain over the years and dealt with it through PT, and my own regimen. I found Sarno 20 years ago and recently David Hanscom (Back in Control). Last year I had a 4 level cervical disectomy with fusion. It took me two years to make that decision and it was a good decision. Not all surgical decisions are the wrong ones.
Fast forward to January of this year, during a 3 mile walk I had extensive leg pain. Thinking it was a bad case of sciatica, I treated it as I always have. Conservatively and in my own way. Unfortunately, it didn't go away. My MRI showed stenosis and a cyst on my spinal column at 4/5 and a spondylosis at around 25%. I also have stenosis and severe degenerative disk at level and at S5/T1. After two months, the cyst abated and a second MRI showed it gone. Complete strength in my legs with no problem walking. My lower back pain has continued to be the problem. My pain management doctor has done an epidural and facet joint injections. Two orthopedic surgeons, one of which did my neck surgery, have advised a fusion but I am very leery of doing that. Too many failed fusions and borrowed trouble. I also think my neurosurgeon doesn't think my spondylosis is severe enough to warrant it. He has me in a six week PT problem starting today. I agree that looking at an MRI doesn't necessarily warrant next steps. But sometimes it does show severe abnormalities that must be addressed. My brother is an athlete in South Florida and had back surgery and has continued to win golfing awards. My point here is everyone must do their homework and get MANY opinions before moving forward. At this point I am hoping PT, conservative home treatment, and I've started reading Hanscom's book - will all get me back up and running. Also, I've been advised by a physicist that core training alone is not the best thing. All over body strength is more important.My last advice if I may is if you have tingling and numbness of any kind, you must get that checked out. Best successes to all of you!