Since most people 'recover' from a herniated disc with time, most surgeons are very reluctant to jump right to surgery. I've been living in constant pain on standing or when walking since August. I've been treated with just about everything conservative -- Lyrica, Ultram, 2 courses of oral Prednisone (the first course was like a miracle -- the second, no effect at all). I start 3 weekly injections on 12/28 which I don't hold much faith in but to get to a microscopic discectomy I've had to demonstrate that nothing works
I would have given anything to have not been in pain for the last 4+ months. Good luch to you! RoinMd