My Back

I hurt my back a few months ago, and recently went for an MRI. I got the results back today and it's exactly what they suspected: a herniated disc.

The next step is to go to an Orthropedic specialist where they will most likely recommend giant needles full of steroids be injected into my spine, pain pills, and physical therapy.

I hate that option. I hate pain pills and I certainly don't want a giant needle stuck into my spine on several different occasions (isn't there some risk involved with that?) and there's a chance that route won't even work long-term.

My other options appear to be surgery (yuck! I think not!) Or spinal decompression therapy. I like the idea of decompression therapy. It sounds painful, but it's drug free, which is always the best option in my opinion. The problem with it is that it's very expensive and not covered by my insurance. The doctor's office says they'll fight tooth and nail for me to get the therapy if that's what I want, but there's a good chance insurance will refuse, since it's an alternative treatment. I could risk hurting my credit by taking out a small loan for the therapy, but I'm afraid to touch anything credit-wise while we're trying to get a home. You never know how some things will impact that oh-so-important credit score.

In any case, long-term pain is not an option, and I will choose anything over drugs or surgery.

If you haven't heard of spinal decompression therapy, there are two different types I could try. One is where they basically stretch your back out manually, the other is where they stretch your back out by a machine.