What kind of "doc" did you see? Was it your regular doctor, or a Neurosurgeon?

Didn't your doc even READ the MRI? He said he thought it "might be a pinched nerve." HUH?? Good grief.

What kind of work do you do? Is it very physical? do you have to do a lot of lifting? Be VERY careful what you do at work. DON'T do any heavy lifting. Ask them to go easy on you. Take the MRI with you if you have to. But try not to lift, push, pull.

And before you have ANY surgery, get 2 MORE OPINIONS FROM OTHER NEUROSURGEONS and see if they agree that you need surgery! And remember that surgery is only for mechanical problems. It is not for pain. Usually after surgery, you're left with the same pain or worse.

Then there is the "domino effect." That's where the levels above/below the surgery site fail. That's because they have to take on more of the load. Then you need MORE surgery. So you get THAT fixed, and then the levels above/below THAT surgery site fail, and you need more surgery. It goes on and on. It's a vicious circle.

You have a lot to think about. I wish you the very best. I hope and pray that physical therapy will be offered to you. Latest studies have shown that people who have had surgery get the same results as people who have had physical therapy!!!

Take care my friend and God bless. Hugs, Lee