In Oct '06 I had an L4/L5 and recovered quite nicely, doing my exercises every day, swimming some, and taking Gabapentin.

Now, almost 20 months later, I have a lot of trouble in the morning, just after getting out of bed. I am bent over, can't stand up straight, and am walking around with small steps like an old man. It feels like stiffness back there, and not another disc problem. Could it be that my bed is causing this pain and stiffness? Anyone else go through this?

After breakfast I do some stretching exercises that seem to help a great deal. That, and a hot shower, and I'm ready to go to work. But those first few hours of every day are terrible. Any help or experiences you can share will be appreciated...