[From what im reading your MRI doesnt appear bad at all --I dont think surgery will be recomened---u may want to look into non -invasive spinal decompression i think the machine is called drx 9000 ---many ppl i know were in back pain swear by it problem from what i last heard its not covered by insurance and is a bit pricey. Im sure they have finacing plans. Enen though your mri isnt to bad problem is you still have pain my guess is a nerve is being pinced. Since u already tried esi --and u can get 3 sometimes 3rd will do trick --u migt want to look into drx 9000. I hope maybe somebody on the board has experienced this machine. Let us know what the Dr says ---man i do hope you find relief soon.