Riding with a broken back is a right of passage..
I rode all last spring/summer and into the fall. I lost 60 pounds, which will help with the pain..
its just pain, except its there every waking moment of every day.. it makes you go harder and faster.. it lets you push yourself because you have sheer determination to overcome the pain.
=) So yes.. I have and will continue to ride with my broken back.
Because giving up 20-30% mobility for a surgery they say cant give any guarantee of any pain reduction is just silly..
Ill deal with the pain and move forward.