Calcification of Rupture

  A recent MRI show a large rupture at L5S1 - about 1.5 by 1.8 cm in size left of the median.  While I have had very intense pain off and on for about six months, with some numbness in the left foot, for the past month I have been working with a strengthening yoga backbends and now have only mild discomfort, occassionally, and a slight odd sensation along the bottom of my left foot, as though a fine string were running lengthways along the bottom of my shoe.  My symptoms improve almost daily.
  My neurosurgeon and chiropractor both advise surgery because they say that, left alone, the rupture will calcify and cause more problems.  I would like to know more about this process and hear any other opinions.
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I would definitely advise a second opinion by a neurologist prior to committing yourself to surgery. Bring the films with you (not just the reports). Disc ruptures (herniations) can indeed calcify, but I'm not certain that is necessarily a bad thing. What is most important is how you are doing in recovery from your acute injury. With appropriate back care (lifting techniques, exercises, etc), you might be able to get away without surgery.
Call the Cleveland Clinic Foundation at 800 223 2273 and ask for neurology appointments. You can see someone inthe Spine Center here. Or, if it is not practical to travel here, any good experienced neurologist should be able to give you some guidance. My personal approach is to be conservative in recommending surgery to my patients. Of course, your specific situation requires careful evaluation and I can't be more definite in a forum such as this. CCF MD mdf.