-Get a good diagnosis from a respected TOP orthopedic surgeon in the US, preferably someone that does ADR's.. don't do local doctors that only do fusions and discectomies.
-Try out physical therapy for 6 months, especially traction and inversion tables. I wouldn't recommend the stem cell route just yet, not until mesoblast has some good preliminary results. If you can get in on the trial, then great! Avoid regenexx for now, I had 0 results and the troubles I went through flying 5 times to denver weren't worth the hassle or money. Once you have an annular tear, it's almost impossible for it to repair itself. It might help a degenerative disc but you have to remember that the degenerative disc space has very poor conditions for stem cell growth.
-Avoid any lifting during these 6 months, do a lot of walking and buy a heating pad for your lower back and use it A LOT to promote blood flow in the area.
-If physical therapy fails, go straight to ADR, but only the M6. First get a telephone consultation with at least two respected surgeosn abroad to confirm that this is the best route for you.
-Avoid discectomies as these will make you disc fail further down the road, almost guaranteed.
