New to this forum and am so happy I stumbled upon it. My husband was diagnosed with herniated L4-5 approx 1 month ago. Has had back issues all his life but now has very painful sciatica. Had his first epidural last week. Total pain relief for the first 3 days, now pain is resuming in his right knee lower leg area. Trying not to use dilauded for pain because it has made him so groggy, no appetite and realize it can become very addictive. Going back to dr next week as wel as psyiaitrist for EMG?? Not sure what this procedure is. We live on Cape Cod in MA. We are currently seeing a neurosurgeon in the suburbs, but feel we should see someone in one of our top Boston hospitals. Looking for recommendations for top Boston neurosurgeons. Any help/advice is greatly appreciated. He has been out of work for 1 month..is very fortunate that he has short term disabilty through his work. Feeling that they will try to return him to work soon which scares me as his work involves quite a bit of walking/constantly on his feet.