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This happens all the time with spine/back and discs. I was told I had to absolutely have surgery.

I didn't; I'm doing 95% better. I'm happy I didn't get a microdiscectomy

What did you do instead?

Not the one you asked, I did PT for my lower back and neck injuries. Along with losing weight and following the doctor's orders (don't lift heavy stuff for a while, improve posture, etc.) I've recovered (mostly) from both injuries. Still some things I can't do or that I have to be more careful about than if I hadn't been injured, but nothing severely limiting (mostly it's just good practices anyways: be careful how much I lift, be careful how I move when lifting, watch my weight, exercise to strengthen supporting muscles and improve range of motion).

In a nutshell?

- Injections - Prednisone Course - STRICT Paleo (low inflammation diet) - Supplementation: Cissus, Vitamin C, Tumeric, Ginger - Lost 20lbs (muscle, I was not overweight) - FOUNDATION TRAINING - Google It - Movement & Mobility Physical Therapy (not traditional PT) - Posture correction - Standing Desk - Upright posture sitting in car - Minimized sitting - Strength program (Crossfit)

6mm L5-S1 sequestered herniation and L4-L5 bulge. Strong sciatica pain, calf and glute atrophy.

Total time: 1 year.

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