Hi Don

There is some good advice above.

Some years ago I had back pain problems.

I saw my GP who sent me to a consultant and so on.....

Eventually before anything was actually done I had received at least three different medical diagnoses from as many consultants. I experienced scans, Xrays,prods, pricks (!!) and all kinds of other investigations. I was told my pain was caused by an old rugby injury and advancing old age...!!!!

Two consultants strongly advised surgery the other advised rest followed by an exercise regime that would be set up free at my local hospital.

I went for this choice - I was given all kinds of physiotherapy followed by hydrotherapy, again at our local hospital.

This took about a year in all but was not any more painful than I was experiencing anyway and with the therapies things started to improve.

The hydrotherapy was extremely enjoyable and productive. So much so that I recently swam 5000 metres for the hospital charity fund.

I still get very slight back-ache on occasions, especially in winter but nothing to hinder me in any way.

So my advice would be to get other opinions and try anything that seems reasonable if it avoids surgery.

Beware though - Back cases differ widely and my own may have been completely different to yours.

Hope this helps

MikeL2 - just been out walking all day !!