[reenkroink]

Im so happy I stumbled across these forums. They look like an excellent resource.

I am a 28 year old male and just recently found out I have an annular tear/disc herniation at L5-S1 and disc bulge and L4-L5. The pain has been going on for a little over a year and a half but only recently decided to have imaging done.

I went to see Dr. Rasouli in LA and he basically told me the disc will not heal on its own and my options are to get injections or to get an artificial disc. He was all for going with injections first but getting steroid injections in my back for the rest of my life doesn't sound like something I want to do.

I can tolerate the pain. I never had any pain radiating down my leg.

I am very active. I like playing contact sports, hiking, and weight lifting. If I just get injections Dr. Rasouli told me I should lift any more than 20 or 30 lbs. That really isn't an option for me. He told if I got a disc I would be able to resume weightlifting (squats, deadlifts) as if I was completely normal.

Im just looking for any advice or resources that will help me make my decision or to hear from any in a similar situation.

What have people heard about Dr. Rasouli? Should I go see more doctors, I've only seen him.