Chemar,

I have similar things going on with my back and have been a "spiney" patient for 7 years. Since you ask I will just say that I would try an ESI first. My husband has a large herniation in his back as well and goes periodically for an ESI and it has helped him considerably. The one ESI I had didn't help too much but my issues at that time were mainly with the facets.

Personally, I would never let a Chiro do anything at all to me in regards to my spine...anywhere! But that is because I have been told...no spinal manipulations ever. And, yes, you (as in general) can become worse. I think I would heed the advice of the spinal docs...but that's just me.