Just a fair warning....I had a fusion with the pedicle screw insertion done 23 years ago,it was smooth sailing until a few years ago when I was diagnosed with severe arthritis in my spine.Eating the pain nearly everyday of your life will take a toll on you...ask you're OS about the risk of arthritis,my surgeon never mentioned it to me before he cut me open. P.S.- Have you tried epidural treatments...they do work but are temporary,traction treatments might be another option for you. Best of luck to you.