I've been suffering chronic back pain since I was 16. i still did and lived a busy life raising 2 girls alone. i'm 46 now and for the last 15yrs or so, my pain has worsen. My first mri 4 yrs ago stated as follows; spinal stenosis, degenerated disc decease, annulis tear, bulging disc, artheritis. I aslo have bouts with sciatica! In the last year I had about 10 sessions off betablocks in my lower back area weekly, For 2 months in a row I had 2 epidurals. I found that it didnt help my pain at all! The third month, I told the Dr., didnt work so they tried the Lower lumber Braanch block, i ended upwith Nervitis!? now im getting IV Lidicain. had 4 in 9wk intervals. I FFEL WORSE!! Finally my question, 'Should I get surgery!? I CAN'T TAKE IT ANYMORE!!!!! I see my pain surgeon Wednesday.