Look into Radio Frequency Ablation. See if your facet joints are affected. I got injured in 2009, L2-L5 bilateral. Gained over 100 pounds and was absolutely an inch away from giving up until I had my First Radio Frequency Ablation and turned it all around.

It's not perfect and it needs repeated, but the alternative is not an option. It's done outpatient at the hospital, noninvasive.

I lost all the weight I gained and a little bit more, and I've kept it off for 7 years. I was able to complete a physical transition because of the weight loss as a direct result of the RFAs. It changed my life.

Put off surgery as long as you absolutely can because you are never as strong afterward.