I feel for you Mike,, I know what chronic back pain is like. I've been living with it since 1988 when I first got injured and it's been a 20 battle that is still raging. I've had several recurrences over the years that have resulted in me being wheeled out of my home on a stretcher and taken to the hospital by ambulance where I stayed each time for several weeks until the pain was tolerable again and I could return home. I know how depressing it can get but resist the depression as hard as you can, it only makes it worse,,, I know first hand. Don't give up, try and keep a positive attitude as best as you can, make sure you keep doing the things that you can still do, seek out alternative medical treatments and doctors and evaluate them to see if they can help you, and remember,,,,, every year medical science comes up with new and more effective techniques and treatments that may be able to help you.
Hang in there Mike and keep fighting, I know it aint easy but it's what ya gotta do. I pray each night for the strength to continue my battle with my back,,,, I will add you to my prayers as well.
Jeff