In reply to @wil24…. Although I have very high regard for Mayo (Rochester) as I see a number of specialists there, I went for that 2nd opinion regarding L4-5 after working with the specialist at Mayo for 2 years. I did all the conservative treatments, but when he suggested radio frequency ablation-I asked what its purpose was and the answer did not address anything but perhaps a lessening of pain, but not the issue of my collapsed disc. I found an excellent spine surgeon at a different location: attempted a spinal injection (no improvement); and then proceeded to surgery. I had a decompression, fusion of the L4-5. It was an excellent choice for me and I followed all post operation restrictions for a long time. I feel very good and no longer suffer daily, unmanageable pain. I do not know what the future holds, but today is very good. Thought you’d might like to hear a story of success when finding a positive other opinion that works. Good luck with whatever direction you choose as there are no guarantees.💕