Mr wiggly - I guarantee you probably could get same results seeing a sports medicine orthopedics who uses a good PT - many back issues can be corrected through specific exercise . A lot less cheaper- I had surgery in 95, but I lived with a clean crack through my lumbar spine for 3 years - contrary to many pt methods the abs are not the primary means of spine health- the transverse abs but more particular the erectors. You own muscles and tendons can stabilize and support. Flexibility can actually in many cases interfere . Most people that are power athletes and weightlifters will not respond well to mainstream methods of rehab . My rehab did not consist of 5 pound weights - it was to deadlft 300% of my body weight - which my rehab post surgery routine I still do - had my Lower spine reconstructed with shavings from my hip bone and in the gym I do heavy dead lifts , hypers, heavy rows , standing calf with 1000 plus on my shoulders - no belts ever. I apply this to all areas if my body my elbows , knees ect . Of course I have practical life experience of 30 years weights but also 40 years of various martial art training - which can punish the body. I did spent 14 years of college getting two BA and my MSW but also I'm CSCS- now it's not as great as it sounds because along with being in the army I have no family no wife no kids - I devoted my life to myself . So I don't say I'm better than any one just the point that I usually don't speak unless I know. I'm actually jealous of all you guys with youth and families and still finding time to train - I just salute ya all by giving my two cents