Mine was pressing against my spinal cord also - but from slipping due to prior surgeries. Surgeon was taking it out completely but I apparently lucked out and after shaving it down, it slid right in place so I didn't need it removed. I have a prior fusion at L5-S1 and now L4 fused and L4-L5 fused. Isnt growing older so much fun? Lol Fair warning - bone off the hip hurts like a bitch. I had that the first go round.