[Blizzaga]

Hi Cinders,
Welcome to the forums. I am sad to hear that also you are suffering from lumbar pain. It really limits your life. I just want you to know that there is hope.

Your best bet may truly be artificial disc replacement. You will have to do a lot of homework, checking that you are a candidate and that the operation you are choosing is optimal for you. If all is done properly, I think you have a good chance at returning to martial arts. The good thing about ADR is that there is a chance of being able to return to also more strenuous activities. Procedures like lumbar fusion would in most cases stop you from doing so.

Wish you all the best!

PS. I recommend staying away from chiros, both now and after the surgeries.