I know where you're coming from...
Hi Rich,
I can't say at 26 I can compare my back troubles (really sucky siatica) with yours, but I've watched my dad struggle through constant, reccuring, very painful troubles for most of my life. He prolapsed 2 disks and has permanent nerve damage to the extent that his legs are constantly numb and cold (like that feeling you get when you've sat too long in a funny position...he has that all the time) and his quadriceps have largely wasted away. He has an excellent surgeon friend who has told him to go the conservative route (no surgery like you) and it seems to be under control for now. I hope your troubles mend themselves, I'm sending you all my good thoughts.
Happy healing,
Adèle