I thought I had a "bad back" until I read your stories 😔 I'm sorry to hear about your spinal and back issues. It's encouraging to read there are solutions for you.

My last scan showed a disc protrusion and a disc bulge. I have sciatica too. I am on an antidepressant but unsure if it helps with pain so I'll ask my Dr about that. I'm too scared to consider surgery so I put up with it and so stretches and pilates. 

I don't get onto the forums very often lately, so glad to see this thread as pain and mental health can be linked so much.