Yeah, for Me function returned pretty good by 2-3 months, but strength took a while longer. Just keep it busy, test it off & on, stretches & maybe use a squeeze ball/grip but not to the point of fatigue. I take in natural anti-inflamatories, #1 Turmeric/fresh ground Black peppercorns, they have turmeric capsules of those (Curcumin/Piperine). Has pretty much stopped/saved Me from lower back relapses.