Hi Linda,

There are (at least, that I now know of) three different procedures for herniated discs. I mentioned them in this post:
http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/post850348-15.html

If a fusion absolutely needs to be done, you may not be a candidate for the less invasive procedures; this would be something to discuss with your doctors.

Pain Management may have alternative therapies to offer, depending on your particulars - every case is unique. They generally start with the less invasive things like physical therapy (finding the right knowledgable therapist is important here too), traction, TENS... and depending on results, may have to move up to acupuncture, injections, medications... and eventually perhaps SCS or Pain Pump - before resorting to surgery. (My list of possibles is not all-inclusive.)

The numbers (success rates) are arguable, but you tend to hear more of the horror stories online because the successes don't generally post on support groups - they don't need to.

On finding a neuro in Texas, try googling: neurosurgeon ratings texas

Doc