Rebecca
I am 27 and also have two kids. I was told I have the same problem with L5-S1. I have had two opinions from two different neurosurgeons and I have decided to have the surgery. I thought I would share my decision with you and how I came to make this choice. I have had the pain for the last 4 years and since my car accident 3 months ago it has gotten so bad that I cannot function normally, including caring for my children. I have been in physical therapy 3 times a week for the past 9 weeks, and also a one hour massage weekly on top of that. I have also seen chiropractors over the course of 4 yrs, but the relief only lasts a day or so. They say if the pain is present for at least 4 weeks and you have sharp pains or numbness in your legs, you are probably dealing with a nerve problem which is only corrected by surgery. I know recovery will be difficult and I have enlisted all friends and family available to take turns staying with me to help. My suggestion to you would be to get at least 3 opinions, especially since you are dealing with worker's comp. Do you have an attorney? I would highly recommend you hire one if you haven't already. Insurance adjusters are not going to just give you the money for the injury. I can guarantee it will be a fight. My husband is in a worker's comp injury case right now and from the beginning, they have tried to screw him over. Good luck with everything, I wish you the best!