Wow I actually know something on this forum
I am 41 and have been in great health my whole life, so I was really surprised when...first time I was 19...lower back pain...pain shooting down my right leg. Felt like a lightning bolt shooting through my whole body! I was scared to death and kept pretending everything was okay till I could no longer walk and finally broke down and told my parents. I saw Dr. Mirbaha in St. Louis Missouri...he is a sports medicine Dr.anyway my L-4 was ruptured and he did not want to do surgery on my since I was so young...he did an experimental procedure from Canada...Cymopapene Disc Injection- he used a Papaya enzyme and injected into my disc...Took a few months to work by dissolving my disc but I was one of the lucky ones, complete recovery. No longer done in the USA...lots of mishaps!
Five years ago....out of nowhere I had pain in my hiney right by my tail bone...shooting pain down my leg again....kinda like riding a bike you never forget.
I was not too happy to say the least but his time I had ruptured L-5 and had surgery by Dr. Heitkamp here in Arlington Texas...he is the most amazing neuro surgeon! I am as good as new...after my surgery I went on to have two more more children and two c-sections and no pain whatsover in my lower back these days. I found out I have degenerative disc disease. I try to stay in shape and keep my core strong...I just pray it doesn't happen again
I will keep you in my prayers! Make sure to do your homework....get a second opinion. Get references too....I know it hurts but it will get better in time...follow your doctors instructions
Please feel free to PM if you need to!