obviate the need at least for now. The Germans and many other countries in Europe really delay IVD surgery (unless loss of nerve function is occurring), and expect patients to exhaust nonsurgical options. The US is far less conservative and if you read the literature, that does not necessarily give us better outcomes. So nonsurgical adjunct therapies are a reasonable option to explore.

Among those are needle acupuncture and electroacupuncture (needles with a small directed electric charge similar to a TENS UNIT that extends the effects and is highly recommended for more chronic conditions). Physical therapy and obviously NSAIDs/muscle relaxants can help. Ultrasound (sound wave) and therapeutic laser therapy are other options with of course, cold/heat therapy as more immediate relief. Because strong core muscles can greatly help take stress off the spine, BUT ONLY WITH THE OVERSIGHT and APPROVAL of your health care specialist, Pilates-- from an instructor specially trained in dealing with it as therapy and not merely preventive exercise-- may be an option.

I would discuss these with both your orthopedic surgeon/neurosurgeon AND your physical therapist (if you have one, as the latter will offer some good insights and referral options)

I will talk to them about it. Thank you!

But dad used health grade DMSO @70%, topically for cancer bone pain, and he was happy with it. I've used it for pain related to swelling, allergies, and sinus pain.

I've seen it on eBay, or any good local health food store will carry it. The liquid is sold at 100% concentrate, and I recall reading to always dilute it with at least 30% water. It is a solvent, and at 100% it will strip the finish off just about anything including plastics. But at 30% dilution it acts more slowly.

Also, disc replacement has been done in Germany for decades. Was finally approved in States some 15-20 years ago.

A friend had it done & was very pleased with the result.

I think it was Rush-Presbyterian Hosp in Chicago where friend had disc replacement done. Sorry, can't recall doc's name.