I feel for you, I really do, and for Rush too. Back pain is something else. When I had my second baby I mysteriously threw mine out, and within 24 hours I couldn't move a muscle below the waist without experiencing the most excruciating pain of my life. I couldn't move, hold my baby, or anything, and had to finally use a walker for a couple of months. In short it was sheer hell.
Rush has all my prayers and all my support. I know most of our FReepers will be praying for him too. What he has to go through will not be a picnic.