Well, after several tests and alot of sleepless nights, the time has come for me to make the decision of how to have my herniated discs in my back fixed. There are basically two options.

Option One - IntraDiscal ElectroThermal Therapy

The procedure is performed with a local anaesthetic and mild intravenous sedation
A hollow introducer needle is inserted into the painful lumbar disc space using a portable x-ray machine for proper placement
An electrothermal catheter (heating wire) is then passed through the needle and positioned along the back inner wall of the disc (the annulus), the site believed to be responsible for the chronic pain.
The catheter tip is then slowly heated up to 90 degrees Celsius for 15-17 minutes
The heat contracts and thickens the collagen fibers making up the disc wall, thereby promoting closure of the tears and cracks. Tiny nerve endings within these tears are cauterized (burned), making them less sensitive.
The catheter is removed along with the needle and, after a short period of observation, the patient goes home
A lumbar support is worn for 6 to 8 weeks, followed by an appropriate course of physical therapy. Lifting and bending precautions are necessary during this time to allow for adequate healing of the disc.

Option Two - Spinal Fusion Surgery

This is basically where the doctors will go into the back, remove the discs and replace them with bone graphs from my pelvic bone. They will then put a metal plate and some screws to keep my spine in place until the bone graphs can become one with the vertebrae. I will lose some mobility in my back because three vertebraes will become one. I would be in a back brace for about three months and then start physical therapy after that.

At this time, I am leaning towards Option One because the other option seems to frighten me too much.

Well, I have till December 6th to make my decision because that is when I see my doctor again to make the decision. I just hope to make the right decision because I am tired of living with this back pain now. Besides, I will probably go into rehab afterwards to help me with my addiction to the Vicodin that I have been taking since August. I started building up an immunity for the Vicodin, so now they have me taking Extra Strength Vicodin.

Till next time.

My brother has had chronic back problems for the last 5-7 years. He went with your first option. It has been working good. My advice to you is to go with everything but surgery. If none of it works...then go under the knife!! Especially if it is work related.

Whatever option you choose, I hope it gives you much relief. Keep us posted & good luck. :)

Glad to hear that something is finally being done for you. I'd try the first option. If it doesn't work for some reason you can have the surgery at a later date.