[CDRODA396]

I had a buldging disc between L5/S1. At that time they only had one BackButcher working at Womack on Bragg, and he did rotations between Walter Reed and Womack. I hurt it in Iraq, returning in May, and had a rotation in Sept for AStan. Since I needed something done right then, they let me go out to Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst. Cant remember the dude's name, but when I researched him, he was recognized as one of the top 5 BackButchers in the country.

This is what he told me then. There is a range of options for a bad disc...do nothing and pray, physical therapy, steroids, micro-discetomy, full blown discetomy (micro being done with the scope, through a 3/4" incision, full being through a big incision) and fusion.

According to him, the only major difference between the treatments is how fast you get relief (do nothing very slow, fusion immediate)...BUT, in the long term, whatever you do you're screwed, in 10-15 years, no matter which one you opt for, you are going to be sucking.

So, I went with micro-discetomy and six weeks to the day from surgery was unloading a C-17 in Khandahar...4 and half years later, I'm wishing I hadnt chased quite so many jumps!

And thats all I know about that, dont know if it helps or not, either way, I FEEL your pain daily brother, and wish you the best of luck whatever you decide to do.