I had a chronic problem like this. It grew worse over time, and eventually it was repaired surgically. My problem was a herniated disk at L5S1, which sounds about where your problem is. I allowed someone at work to convince me to see a chiropractor, and after as few treatments, the pain was gone, as was all the feeling in my foot. So I finally sought out a neurologist. CAT scan showed that the disk had broken up into chunks, most likely as a result of the chiropractor’s manipulation. The chunks were pressing on my spinal cord. The good news was that I had minimally invasive surgery and recovered most of my nerve function over time. I was up and walking the day of surgery, and back at work in a week. Painless. The only long term side effect is a touch of mild arthritis at the surgery site. Some suggestions:

- It can’t be diagnosed by intuition or simple X-ray. If it’s gone on for some time and they aren’t giving you a CAT scan, they’re guessing
- surgery is serious, and doesn’t always go well. So take the time to pick your surgeon.
- try everything to avoid surgery, but know when you are out of options.
- use a neurologist, not a Pcp for the initial consultation. Let him refer you to a neurosurgeon if necessary.
- avoid open surgery if possible.