I am sorry to hear about your pain. I have been there, done that...most everything except the radio frequency ablation. I do have a TENS unit which I use but, eventually I am maxed on power with that and the pain returns.

Have you thought about a second opinion--sometimes it a good idea to get a new set of eyes on what is going on and that they may have a suggestion to help. What about aquatic therapy...like you PT was terrible for me...doing it in the pool was nicer--not to mention sitting in a hot tub felt great--I love having heat on my back for the most part.

As I said, I have done just about all you have and even major surgery--which I ended up with complications and it has not helped me. I know I am a bit older than you but, I have learned that I need to know my limits and watch them. I am learning how to ask for help and not to push it. I know that I will be on pills for the rest of my life and we have found a good mix when helps keep the pain under control for the most part. Small amounts of walking and moving about help some--too much though and I am in bed crying though.

I have also learned that I can tell when a storm is coming or when there is going to be some major weather changes (like drastic barometric changes)!--no need to check the weather channel for me anymore

I wish I could give you the magic recipe as to what to do to make pain go away forever but, I am still searching for it as well.

Hi--so sorry to hear about your ordeal. I, too, have to cope with chronic back pain, and I've tried everything that you named. I'm in my late 40's, and I injured my back almost 25 years ago. I have osteoarthritis, bone spurs, mild scoliosis, a bulging disc at L5/S1, and a pinched nerve at L4/5t that causes sciatica. Here's how I manage the pain:

I sleep on my left side, and I stretch gently every morning, before I get out of bed. Lying on my back, I pull my bent knees, and then one straightened leg, to my chest.

I try not to sit for more than an hour, especially at my desk at work. I stand for 5-10 minutes, or until I feel my back pain lessen.

I swim at least once a week. If I'm in the middle of a flare, then I'll simply walk the length of the pool for as long as possible. I also walk in general as much as I can, but I have issues with both knees that often interfere with my mobility. Sometimes I can only go for 10 minutes, but my doctor said that's a start.

I get regular massages to loosen tight muscles and occasional traction/chiropractic adjustments to lengthen and align my spine. I also use ice packs regularly (never heat) to get rid of inflammation.

I wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes regularly. I only wear heels higher than 2 inches on special occasions, and even then, for only a few hours.

Lastly, I only take narcotics (Norco, Percocet, Dilaudid) when I cannot stand the pain at all (8 out of 10). If my back is just sore, or mildly-moderately painful, I'll take Tylenol arthritis pills or a half a Flexeril/Baclofen (muscle relaxer). I avoid the strong stuff whenever possible, because I abused them a few years ago when my back and knees were flared up. I found that the pills made me think my pain was worse than it was. Many times, an ice pack did the trick.

I hope this isn't too long!..I hope some of this helps!