My friend is involved in drumming where she has to hold a heavy base all the time for practices. She slipped a disc a few months ago and the doctor told her to let it heal or it may need surgery. She does not want to quit her drumming despite possible risks. It has been a little over a month and the pain in her back has not reduced. She is constantly feeling pain on her back and is forced to take pain-killers.

My questions are: 1) is there any alternatives besides surgery? 2) if she quits drumming and allows the back to heal, what are the chances of it getting better? 3) if she continues like this without treatment, will the situation get worse and will she face paralysis?

She used to take medicine that the doctor prescribed to her but now she is taking close to 10-20 advils a day.

4) is there any alternative to pain-killers?

I've been very concerned about this issue and I hope you guys can help me out. Thanks ahead of time.