[facets]

I have been lifting weights since I was 14 (56 years). From age 19-28 was active as a super heavyweight power lifter. National champion 3 years. Retired from competitive lifting at age 28, dropped to 215 lbs and continue to work out. . Do a lot of physical labor on my ranch in BC, Canada.

No noticeable problems with back until 2001. Hyperextended it doing heavy leg presses on inclined sled. Experienced tremendous pain in left hamstring and front of left shin. Both muscle sets noticeably atrophied. Recovered about 90% of former muscle strength and fine for decade or so.

About 2 years ago I stood up out of bed and experienced excruciating pain in the L3-5 area which dissipated within few minutes. Since then, standing up out of bed every morning is new adventure. Discomfort varies from a mild tingling to severe stabbing pain. Am also apt to feel a movement/adjustment of vertebrae in the L3-5 area.

MRI, x-ray results show several bulging discs, multi-level facet arthritis, and accompanying stenosis. Have higher bone density than average 25 year old.

Don’t want spinal fusion, spinal support rods, or endless pain shots.

I'm told that the facet arthritis developed because flattened disks caused them to rub against each other. A UK spinal surgeon (done only 5 M6L's) said that facet arthritis too developed for ADR to be worthwhile. Another UK spinal surgeon (only done a handful of M6 placements) says raising the disks would help, but too difficult to stretch the contracted facet ligaments & all AD's subside, which would eventually bring back my problem. Now in the process of contacting several ADR specialists in Europe.

Anybody have any experience with success/failure of M6 AD's vis-a-vis arthritic facet joints and does M6 compress over time?