[Iris7]

You are completely correct on the serious neurological symptoms stuff. Fusion is the only practical approach more often than not. Works well and is safe when done well.

[wardaddy]

Yep...my cousin was warned that had his dad not told him to get his butt to the emergency room and to have kept trying to crawl around he could have had permanant paralysis...even egads!....some impotence...scary.

My lower back stuff has actually gotten better...not quite a severe as it used to be. It all started when I was about 30. I have a neck stretcher that hangs from the doorsill for my cervical injury (motorcycle nearly 3 decades ago).

My acupuncturist is from Shanghai and is an acclaimed infectious disease specialist at Vandy. His dad did surgery under acupuncture in the old days in China till Mao had him "disappeared". Very nice guy.

My Neurosurgeon (a family friend) told me that when your back is bad enuff with pain for you....you will come to me and want the surgery asap...lol...he also warned me about severe numbness being a big danger sign....or loss of control over your legs or lower torso.

I had a girl once who helped "crack" my back once and it helped some granted but I have found acupuncture to be the best relief short of dope. You should try it. It does not hurt at all and gives sort of a relaxing "high"....I'm not joking.