Thank you for your response. I cannot count the number of physicians I have consulted, looking for a solution to chronic lumbar spine pain. I have many issues all delineated in two lumbar spine MRIs. The physicians all have great credentials and are at reputable teaching hospitals and their recommendations contradict each other. I do use google scholar to search for evidence based research on treatment options but it is hard to evaluate the quality of the research. I am trying to figure out my options. Thus far I've been told no surgery! yes surgery! no fusion! yes fusion. I've tried multiple rounds of physical therapy injections, etc, and so far nothing has helped. I've seen physiatrists who sent me to surgeons, physiatrists who recommend all kinds of treatments from MILD, to PRP, to peptides, medical marijuana etc. I would like to find someone that will tell me their best idea for treatment and provide a realistic assessment of success of the recommended treatment. After 6 years I finally asked my PCP what percent of her patients had successful back surgery. 50%. That would have been good to know. I know the problem with back surgery is once you've had it you've had it and things can definitely worsen. I suppose it's just a dream but I'd really like to find a surgeon who, after evaluating my imaging and symptoms provide a treatment plan and realistic evidence based possible outcomes so I can make the best decision.

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