Fused at l4-s1, l3 collapsing. is surgery my only option. also chronic pain sufferer.

Physical therapy try: Before spinal surgery you should engage in a trial of physical therapy. You may benefit from strengthening your lower back muscles and increasing your flexibility and improving your posture which may be part of the problem.

Not likely to help: Information is incomplete. Is fusion from previous surgery. If the purpose of surgery is to get pain relief, chances of failure are high. Pain management is a better option.

Unlikely: Surgical fusion for back pain especially if you've had a previous fusion is extremely unlikely to be beneficial. Pt, medications, injections are all things to be considered.

Not recommended: Unless it becomes unstable. There are a number of other procedures including vertebro/kyphoplasties, injections, pt, etc. The problem with fusions, is it just transfers all that motion to the segments above and below, so you just keep chasing surgery with another surgery. If you have an option, avoid surgery.