Hi Turnbase,Like you I too have a few spinal prob's. 6 fractures distributed between spine,pelvis, sacrum and that tail end bit. All happened in MEAF in1961, ,diagnosed as 'slipped discs' (no,I'm not kidding)by the RAF Medic.He felt that it would be a waste of time and effort to get an xray pic'
4 years later I suddenly became paralised from the waist down whilst instructing. On arrival at RAF Hospital Wroughton they discovered the above mentioned damage. After another couple of years in and out of plaster etc they informed me that it was too dangerous to operate and goodbye and thanks.
I did manage to get a PPL over in Britain and enjoyed a few years of flying,prior to relocating to Australia in 1974. At the age of 82 I sometimes feel that my spine and other attachments thereof are even older but HEY, I'm still alive!!!!! Regards, and safe flying William (fireproof)