MED MECH had a good result. I too had a good result. No, it was better than good. Excellent result. 4 1/2 years ago.
But my 5 level was C4,5,6,7&T1. Posterior entry. Two screws in each vertebrae and a rod running up through each row. Good for me that it was way up the spine, with about 80-100 (?)pounds less to support than it would have had if it was in the lumbar area. My five level only supports the head. Mine's featherweight!
Lower back pain has to be worse than cervical pain. At least neck pain doesn't limit your walking.

I was extremely fortunate to be sent to a great doctor by a friend of mine who is a chiropractor. He's one of the top guys in Phila region and has written & edited a number of textbooks, including this.

Complications of pediatric and adult spinal surgery


http://books.google.com/books?id=-rxTKoOz7A0C&pg=PR14&lpg=PR14&dq=alexander+vaccaro+m.d.+ph.d.&source=bl&ots=1AqaEE_GTg&sig=YIDFjZyZxjR3K4xeCfj-q2o5y7Q&hl=en&ei=8qt4SrPrBY3alAefsZ2ZBQ&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=9#

Top shelf Doc.