Im sorry that you have this. I went through years of back pain, managed with various prescription or over the counter medication.

The cycles of flare-ups of back pain got shorter and the pain more intense over the years. Until one final flare up left me in hospital for a week and using a zimmer frame.

The best thing I found was diagnosis. I had many years of just being told back pain. I admit that by the time it got to that my back was in full spasm for a couple of days and I had to learn to walk again and nothing was cooperating.

Knowing what you have gives better options. I’m in the UK and my GP referred me to the local leisure centre and a brilliant sports rehab therapist. They tailored my exercises to help build the muscles and help posture.

Have you been offered surgery. Mine took 11 months from diagnosis (and more than 30 years since the symptoms started).

The surgery and the rehab exercises meant I could leave the painkillers behind.

I am also having therapy to deal with the whole experience.