I would go for injections, followed by a little physical therapy.

thanx for replying.. wot injections are u talkin about? steroids? my physician suggested me a surgery. Is there any alternative? I dont want to risk my condition with surgery. Besides my pain is constant with no more no less progress since january 2006.

I would think that a trial of an Epidural steroid injection at L5-S1 and a right L5 Selective nerve root block would be at least worth trying prior to undergoing a surgery. Did they reccomend a discectomy and foraminotomy or a laminectomy? I wouldn't think you would need a fusion at this point.

Western medicine has a pretty poor track record for treating the back. Often times having one spine surgery has a domino effect and warrants further need for surgery. The injection would be considered conservative treatment, as would the PT. Basically the injection would decrease swelling and inflammation that would enable you to rehab this through PT yourself. If conservative methods fail, back surgery still remains an option. Studies have shown that people who have surgery for disc herniations and those who don't feel the same after five years. At 6 weeks, most surgical patients feel better. At 6 months about half feel better. Five years later, results are about the same.

I also am suffering from rheumotoid arthritis do u think the 2 are inter related in any way? besides Ive been into driving car for many hours. Do u think it has any effect?

I don't have a good answer for that. I wish I did. I guess you would want to refer this to your rheumatologist

Please help me diagnose my pproblem? My right leg is constantly hurting sometimes going all they way to my toes. And sometimes i Have pain on my right lower butt check that is sharp.

brothers, sounds like it could be nerve compression. There are many causes of nerve compression.

We are not doctors and not able to diagnose you from your symptoms.

You need to see a spine specialist. Either an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in spines or a neurosurgeon who specializes in spines only. You will no doubt need an MRI to help the doctor diagnose you and set up a treatment plan.

Fran