herniated disk

Posted By Randy Taber on October 30, 1998 at 21:03:18:







December of 1997 I was struck by a car while bicycling.  I was taken to the hospital
and was released-said I had a sprained shoulder (left) and knee (right), and
3 herniated disks in my back/neck-don't know the exact name of each disk.
Since then I have had cronic (chronic) back pain and have some stiffness in my neck..
Ihave received chiropractic treatment-still pain.  Tried strengthening/stretching/
yoga excercises-these have helped the most-stil pain in my lower back and my neck
still makes 'popping sounds'when I turn it.  I am involved in a lawsuit
so most of the Dr's I have seen are through the lawyers referral.  He is
suggesting I see a Dr about microdiskectomy to releive the pain.  
My questios are:  is this a common practice for herniated disk related back and neck
problems?
what do you recomend I do about this problem?
*I am new to this area (NYC area on NJ side)-originally from Roch, NY-any
suggestions on a general Dr. in the area that is reliable-seems there are
a lot of specialists for 'accident victims'-meaning they are there to help your
court case.  My first concern is healing-I'm a musician and these problems are affecting
the way I play. The lawsuit is just to ensure my Dr fees are paid for.
Thanks
Randy Taber