Question
I am a 36 year old male in good health and good shape.  I currently have a personal trainer with a focus on stretching.  In February 2007, I fell on an ice patch and landed on my head and back.  I have a slight history of a herniated disc between the L4-L5 (I played hockey for many years and took a heavy hit 5 years ago). I am dealing with numbness/tingling in my right leg and some pain when sitting or sleeping (the physical therapy helps a lot!).  I just consulted with a Neuro Surgeon who read my MRI.  The result is a fracture in the bulging disc between L4-L5.  You can see the broken bone in the MRI.  The doctor would like to remove the broken bone.  I am concerned about surgery complications.  Does this bone have to be removed?  Will it have an adverse affect if I leave it alone?  Will epidural shots help long term?  Should I skip the epidural and just have the surgery?  Any answers you might have would be a big help.  Thanks!

Answer
Since I am not a physician and because I have no access to your medical films, I can't say whether the surgery would be necessary or helpful in your particular case.

Having said that, it is important to understand that a surgeon usually wants to do surgery.  That is their profession and their skill.  I recommend the least invasive approaches first like physical therapy and epidurals before moving to surgery.  You are right about surgical complications; they happen and you never know who will have them.

I would also recommend a second opinion from an osteopath or other non-surgical doctor.  They will have direct access to you and your films.  They'll be in a much better position to offer you answers on your specific problem.

Thank you for your question, Robert.  I hope that my answer gives you some direction.