@jkgraham
Hi!
When I had my cervical spine done, I felt immediate relief!
It was a very easy surgery for me to heal from.

To be VERY honest, the lumbar spine was HORRIBLE to recovery from.
I was in pain for 4 months.
Not so much my back as my legs.
Yes, legs.
I can't remember if my surgeon said he moves muscles, cut muscles?
I don't know.
But the pain I got in my groin and down my legs were horrible!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Back, not too much.
Then one day, about 4 months out, all the pain was suddenly gone.
Just like that!!!

Whether it takes 6 mos, 1 yr, 18 months, I PERSONALLY BELIEVE you need to continue to baby your back.
For me, it will be forever!
I don't want to take ANY CHANCES of harming myself and having the chronic pain every again.
NO bending, lifting (anything over a gallon of milk), twisting, hyper-extending!!!!!

Good luck!
Ronnie (GINSBERGr)