Eileen
As a Registered Nurse, my son in law experienced 2 bouts each approximately 1 1/2 to 2 weeks apart at work with what turned out to be slipped discs in the lower spine area while lifting heavy objects. After 5-6 weeks of going to a Chiropractor, he was advised to see an Orthopedic Surgeon. The Orthopedic Surgeon ran some special tests the last being an MRI which confirmed the final diagnosis. He was put on pain medications along with muscle relaxants which only relieved the problem by about 40 - 50% . He was then advised to search out some one who would do the Surgical procedures for correction. After consulting with my Orthopedic Surgeon, I was able to obtain the name of an excellent NeuroSurgeon which I passed on to my son in law. Initially he was very excited about the information but now for some unknow reason and without even phoning the NeuroSurgeon for an initial appointment he has decided to attempt pain clinics and then possibly acupuncture. Even though I have told him his best route is surgery, he has told me repeatedly he doesn't want surgery for he has heard from too many individuals who have had it and wasn't very successful and besides he doesn't want to end up partially paralized which I believe is a foolish notion. Has anyone had the surgery, pain management clinics, or acupuncture for this kind of problem? If there is, maybe someone could email me back that information that I could pass on to my son in law. Thank you for your time and possibly emailing me back.