[BBQMan]

You need a spine specialist rather than a general Orthopedic or Neuro Surgeon. My nephew is one having done his residency in orthopedic surgery at Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN and his spine fellowship at the Baylor Spine Institute in Houston. If you PM me I will send you information on him and his qualifications. He is located in Texas and you are in Florida and so is of little use to you.

He recommends two places in Florida: (1) Mayo Clinic Jacksonville and (2) Jewett Orthopedic Clinic in Winter Park. Both of these have well qualified spine surgeons and will put you with one of them. Both also accept Medicare and do not ask for cash in advance. Avoid any Chiropractors, specialists located in small communities such as the Villages and Ocala and non-specialized surgeons. Good luck.