I have had back problems for many years myself. My L4 and L5 are both bad. I was lucky to find a great chiropractor that has kept me from having to have surgery. I still have some issues from time to time but I am able to do most things that I want including fishing. You may want to try to find you a chiropractor in your area and try it before surgery. It has worked for me and I just wanted to pass the info along to anyone else that it might help. I wish you the best.