Kirsten - I had similar back surgery about 10 years ago - and it went relatively easy. I had fragments that had broken off the vertebrae and were pressing on nerves, causing a lot of pain, and then numbness in my leg and foot. All the pain killers in the world won't get rid of it, and the only permanent solution is to have the fragments removed. I don't wish surgery on anyone, but getting injections is just putting a band-aid on something that won't get better without surgical intervention.
I hope your doctors soon do something to help you. There's not much that is more miserable than back pain or a toothache!
Good luck - and keep us posted.