I really enjoyed reading all the posts...its good to know other people understand. I'm dealing with 3 herniated lumbar disks, one with scar tissue from an operation 15 years ago (L4/L5)...I also have had psoriatic arthritis for 15 years which is now affecting the facet joints in my back...I had a 3 level cervical fussion in Dec-2007. I see a Pain Mgmt Dr and a Rheumatology Dr...I'm taking Oxycontin, Percocet, and Neurontin 3 times a day for pain. I take Remecade and Methotrexate for the arthritis. The meds are not reducing the pain enough to walk, stand or sit for very long. I'm curious how long other people found Oxycontin to be affective before they had to move on to other meds. I've had the dose increased 3 times over the past year. I'm also curious if morphine or methodone are used after Oxycontin or if they are just another med to be used. Is accupuncture affective for lower back pain? I agree that you cannot talk to family and friends about your pain and meds...they just cannot relate...this site looks like a great place for us to help each other. I'd really like to hear fom those that can relate and might have advice.