I don't have your problem, but I had 19 years of lumbar problems and I am cured with my last back surgery. I have had 7 lumber surgeries, all have been done by the same surgeon, except the first. Sometimes, you just have to hang in there. It sounds like you might need surgery, yet it looks like your doctor would have told you unless he or she has something else in mind. Keep the faith! They don't do surgery until they have tried everything else.
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Fancylady

Thanks for the thoughts. Both the orthopedic surgeon and the nurosurgeon have said it is non surgical, but the pain management doctor feel surgery is the best bet at this point. Insurance has denied both the nucleoplasty and the nerve ablation.

I did get the MRI results I see that they dont agree with the radiologist. The report says herniations at 3 levels and degenerative disease throughout the entire thor. and lumbar area. The doc says no herniations at all, arthritis and the nerve root issue. My pain management doc hasnt seen it yet and I cant get in till May, unless its an emergency (the PA went on maternity so appointments are scarce).

We all handle pain differently and I guess I am very sensitive. I am in limbo it seems and stuck dead in the middle, it really stinks.

Thanks again.

It sure does stink! How in the world does everyone see this so different? I have never had this happen. If I were you I would go to the one you have the most faith in. It never hurts to have a second or third opinion either. If your insurance won't pay, I guess you can't have nothing done. These surgeries cost thousands of dollars. It's to bad this has happen to you. Good luck getting anything done about this. Perhaps if you tried another specialist your insurance would come thur for you.
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Fancylady

Hello:

In response to your question I have a website you may be interested in.....Dr. Doug and I have been in contact because I must say....of all the research I have completed on my back his site was by far the most informative.....

email me if you are interested...all the best

Kim