I have had fibromyalgia almost 10 years and was learning to manage that. Now for 4 years lifestyle altering DJD @ L4 and L5 which subsequently have torn apart the disc in-between. I get steroid shots 3x a year and they help with the pain but do not restore my abillities. The abnormal bone structure and the fact it is not a straightforward herniated disc with normal facets means typical disc surgery is not close to an option. I am wondering 1) are the steroid shots causing bone degeneration as being on chronic Prednisone would 2) I have heard that artificial discs are being used. I am 47 and have never had back surgery and know it is limited. Is this or will this be an option for me? 3) Besides pool, what exercise can I do to prevent osteoporosis that won t cause me to impact the nerves exiting between L4 and L5. I get sciatic pain standing and femoral neuralgia sitting so reclining is the best compromise. I also get numb - more so in the femoral distribution- sitting up. We need to travel to look at colleges for the youngest in a couple weeks. It will mean long driving as we are in Durham NC and he wants to look at Miami. 4) I bought a tens unit and it arrived Saturday it has helped sciatica if near constant use. how would I place it to help the pain at the actual DJD/DDD site which is especially bad going over even small bumps in car? 5) i get lidocaine infusions every 3 to 5 weeks for fibromyalgia which helps that response to the trigger of my back but not the actual arthritis or nerve compression. I take valium TID for muscle spasm and neurontin at night but when the back amps up again I have trouble sleeping more than 6 hours and I need around 10-12 depending on activity and pain levels. thank you, Marilyn