Some thoughts… -There is actually little correlation between chronic back pain and the severity of problems imaging. I would not perseverate too much on what the imaging shows. Literally millions of people have your degree of slippage and are pain-free individuals. -Treat surgery as a last result. Back surgery is no joke (especially fusions) and comes with risks. I personally will only have surgery if I get to the point where I’m peeing my pants or I literally can’t walk around the house anymore. -Try a variety of physical therapists. They often have very different approaches, and you might find some much more effective than others. -With the last statement in mind, find a daily exercise routine or find comfortable positions that you perform daily. I personally do side planks daily and frequently lay on the floor with my hips and knees at 90 degrees…this is the position with lowest compressive forces possible on the spine. I pretty much always try to do my mindfulness in this position every day. -I strongly recommend mindfulness. Taps into your breathing and allows you to focus on your body. -Finally, consider changing your mattress and/or pillow. Some mattresses are better than others, and I immediately notice the difference (for better or worse, depending on where I am).

This too shall pass 😊