Back pain...

First of this year i was laid up in bed and off work for two months. I have herniated l4 and l5, and was causing severe sciatic pain down my right leg. Pain to the point I cried like a little girl and the only thing that was halfway tolerable was to lay flat on my back and not move at all. I recieved 3 epidural spinal injections which helped immensely. I went from a pain level 12 to probably about a two.

I have sense started a stretching routine, made an effort to lose a few pounds, and doing exercises to strengthen my core. I still have pain, but feel better than I have in several years. I also pay a lot more attention to the things I do as far as lifting and heavy work and all.

I think a key is to find a good doctor. A lot of them want to go right to surgery. My doc said we will try everything in the world to avoid surgery, and use it ony as a last resort. He told me only one of 3 things will come from surgery. You'll get better, get worse, or stay the same. I dont like those odds, so I am doing all I can to avoid surgery.

Good luck man. I wouldnt wish the kind of pain I was in on anyone.