[laryb]

I have had back problems since I was 21 years old, and 2 surgeries. Both surgeries were after symptoms didn't improve for months. While I still have problems, and more symptoms have arisen over the years, at the time the procedures were necessary to relieve crippling pain and get me back on my feet. Over the years, I have had many incidents with my back, and have been laid up for months at a time. In those incidents, after the initial pain, a few weeks later I would gradually improve through exercise and chiropractic. I would only recommend surgery when all other options have been used. Oddly, I had a very physical job that caused my back problems,but I think the physicality of it also helped strengthen my back. Guess it was like a double edged sword. I ended up with a spinal cord disease (arachnoiditis) that is incurable and was caused by a pre-surgical procedure, so I recommend surgery only as a last option. Give PT or chiro a shot.