In January of 2005 I had a laminectomy of the L5/S1. About a month later, I too had the pain in my lower back mainly while trying to sleep at night. I was put on Flexoril (a muscle relaxer) and that seemed to help for a brief period. I then was given a steroid treatment that helped for a couple of months and then I was back to having epideral injections that would help for about 2-3 months and then I would get another one. I did this for about 2 years and just dealt with the pain until I couldn't tolerate it any longer. I went to a new spinal surgeon and he scheduled an MRI. The MRI showed that I had degenerative disc disease and that my L5/S1 had completely collapsed and that the L4/L5 above it also appeared to be affected. He then scheduled a discography. This is a VERY painful test, but it showes he doctor exactly which discs are affected. After having this done, he decided that the only help for me (due to the complete collapse) was to have a 2-leval spinal fusion. I had that performed on April 25, 2008 (just less than 8 weeks ago). I have so many new pains and problems now, but the doctor says that is normal and it could take 6 months to a year before I have any relief from the surgery. I will say that the pressure I was experiencing before surgery seems to be gone. I do think you should have it checked out. I wish I would have had another MRI sooner before it collapsed because then I could have possibly had a disc replacement, but because it did collapse, I was told I was not a candidate for disc replacement and my only option was a fusion. The doctor told me there is only a 50% chance that I will get better, but that I shouldn't get worse. I told him some days I would take a 2% chance to get better because of how much pain I was in. After going through the fusion (and trust me, it has not been a very good experience), I am quick to tell people not to sit back waiting for their pain to subside. If you feel there is a problem, please have it looked at now so that you don't have the problems I have had. My original surgeon kept telling me it was "normal" and everything else, but I finally did not accept that and I went for a second opinion and that is when we found all these problems so if necessary, get a second opinion. Couldn't hurt! And if it keeps you from going through a spinal fusion, it is well worth it!! Anyway, I wish you well and hope that you get the answers you seek.
It is helpful to know that I am not the only one out there with this problem. I've heard from a few frienRAB who've said that they know people who were totally back to normal after 4 weeks. It is frustrating to hear that and wonder why that isn't me.