In the dark....are things ever going to improve?

[bobbyk89]

I herniated my L5/S1 in Jan of 08 but now in hindsight there may have been plenty of warnings in the past. I made it worse by going to a Chiro. but I did not know any better. I have been out of work since March with very conservative treatment and very vague answers about everything. When do doctors determine that surgery is a must?

I am struggling with the idea of surgery b/c I have improved---I can sit for up to an hour, stand for limited amount of time, walk with a limp and bearable pain. Sleeping is happening but the first half of the night is uncomfortable. My pain consists of burning in the left leg, sharp pains in the thigh, posterior knee, calf, and ankle. I plan on going to work next week b/c I cannot stand this house any longer. If I am at this stage, should I wait on surgery? Is surgery a cure-all? Has anyone had the DASCOR Anthroplasty procedure? I feel that I wondering around in the dark with doctors that are afraid to say anything about anything (2nd opinion is today!!!).
Bob
5/28/08--2nd Opinion
4/8/08--Specialist Diagnosis, Steroid Injections
3/12/08--MRI Herniated Disc L5/S1
1/15/08--Injury occurred.