Our first approach to any pain problem is to be as conservative as possible, and we encourage our patients to first pursue minimally invasive surgeries if possible. Seldom, a patient’s diagnosis may require us to refer him/her to an orthopedist or neurosurgeon for a consultation. This is especially true for any worsening weakness, numbness, or bowel and bladder dysfunction.   A second and even a third opinion from a surgeon may need to be obtained to better understand all the surgical options available.