Dawn
Greg, after all this time, it still surprises me how stupid doctors can be! Of course you can have pain on the opposite side, both sides, or even neither side, even though none of these are considered "the norm." You should definitely try to find a physical therapist or chiropractor that specialises in non-invasive treatment of herniated discs, such as traction, heat, massage, etc. There is also an injection they can give directly into the disc that is supposed to reduce it very quickly. I'm sorry I don't know what it is called - I refused it as soon as it was offered (very nervous of needles or knives anywhere near my spine!). I also don't know anything about the meds the doc gave you, but if you are having such a violent reaction, it would probably be wise to switch.