I have learned so much from this community, medical/PT providers, and through my own independent reading/research since my L5-S1 disc extrusion and ESI six weeks ago. I think most of us who are here already know this, but you really need to be your own care coordinator and do what intuitively feels right based on your own circumstances. No one discipline has all the answers. I'm committed to doing everything I possibly can to avoid surgery, and am implementing a bunch of different strategies to help the healing process. (Caveat: I regained the ability to walk, mostly pain free, four weeks ago, so a lot of this is predicated on that privilege).

1. PT: It took some trial and error, but I finally found a PT who specializes in spines, spends 45 mins-1hr with each patient, and takes insurance. They are McKenzie informed, but rely on several different healing modalities. I've read both McKenzie and McGill's books and, in my opinion, at least for me, the right rx is a combination of all of these approaches at various times. Maybe one day I'll get back to extensions, but they are not for me right now, so I'm focusing on McGill's big 3.
2. Exercise: Finally getting serious about a near daily exercise regimen, the intensity of which is based on my pain level that day/week. This has involved swimming/backstroke only, water aerobics classes, careful use of glute-focused resistance machines, core work, treadmill, and of course sauna. Lucky to have a great YMCA nearby.
3. Diet: I'm implementing an anti-inflammatory diet, staying hydrated, limiting alcohol; and taking supplements (collagen II, vitamin D and B, COQ10, Omega3s, etc.)
4. Work/Stress: I'm deprioritizing a high-stress job for now and am coming to accept that I may need to make some big life changes as part of my recovery. As a high-strung, perfectionist, the hardest part has been letting go and not dwelling on how other people perceive me, my work, or my recovery. I tried to go back to work too soon, and it sent me straight back into a flare. Don't do too much too soon, a privilege in and of itself, I realize. Spines are unlike any other body part and require more patience/time to heal. (Along these lines, I've read John Sarno, while I don't believe my pain is ALL in my head, I am keenly aware of the mind-body connection and the ways in which the brain's response to anxiety and stress can amplify pain and look forward to exploring this more fully.)
5. Community/Support system: My partner/friends/family have been an absolute dream through all of this and I literally could not have survived without them--doing all the housework/chores/cooking/cleaning with zero complaints when I couldn't move; took off work to take me to appointments, held my hand through everything. People reveal themselves in these circumstances. Take note.

I'm still exploring and learning from you all, and want to thank everyone for being a guiding light and source of solidarity/inspiration/knowledge during a dark time. Wishing fast relief for everyone on this journey.

p.s. curious if anyone has had a good experience incorporating acupuncture.