Jennifer,

I hate to sound like a naysayer. But, honestly, I would stop with this! First of all, for them to tell you it is basically 50/50 is just plain...well, you know what! Yes, traction of a sort can help but it can also make things worse. And $4000.00???!! I would try to find a spinal pain management doctor. You already have your xray films and MRI. It is possible you can take those to a spinal PM and then take it from there. A spinal PM can tell you what you really need to do and if surgery is warranted, they can always refer you to an NS or OSS. Or, you can do as the other poster suggested and see an NS or OSS right away. And I say all of this because it looks like you are really being taken for your money. What they are telling you sounds like pure snake oil to me so just be wary and truly, try to find a spine doc.