So sorry for all your problems. I have so many damaged disc in both areas. I have had 2 spinal fusion surgeries in the lumbar area the first one when I was 18 years old. 3 thoracic compressions fractures and 3 in the lumbar spine. I have had 2 kyphoplasty surgeries in the lumbar spine. Also degenerative disc disease and several disc bulge. I have had so many cortisone injections that I have lost count. I had a pain stimulator (that didn't work for me) so I had it removed 2 years later. I have worn braces. The last one had a chest plate that interfered with my breathing. I have COPD from work related 2nd hand smoke. I have severe height loss and severe deformative at T9. My new pain specialist is going to start the nerve block procedure in the T12-L1 area. They call all this chronic pain. I have to admit that I am a little scared. I get my hopes up so high only to have all the pain back again. I had 4 children. I am 87 years old now and have lived with this pain for 67 years. I think so many earlier doctors just thought I was getting older and said there was nothing they could do. I live alone. The new pain specialist said age didn't have anything to do with it. I didn't have to live in pain. God willing this procedure will work!