In reply to airbournegrapefruit: luckily mine didn't require surgery (L3/4 transverse process fracture and compressed disk).
Had to wait 6 weeks for evidence of healing, if it hadn't the consultant would have then had to make decision on op. But he didn't want to if not necesarry as it's a lot of muscle to go through.
I wouldn't wish this on my worst enemy. I hope the drugs are working and you get well soon.
Also be sure to take the physio, acupuncture, swim therapy etc, it all's worth it and really helps!
