WTO'Connor, M.D.
If you have a neurological compromise, there is probably no alternative other than to subject yourself to the surgery; however, before you go under the knife, take a look at www.backache.md or www.backpainoconnor.com If you feel like you would like to give a try at putting the disc material back in place through a self-manipulation technique, give it a try. However, I would not recommend it if there is an actual compression of a nerve by the herniated disc material. That is best surgically treated. If it is not hitting the nerve, there is a small probability that you can maneuver it back into place by yourself.