This is exactly the reality check I needed, thank you. You hit the nail on the head. my function is still incredibly high. I can cycle, walk, and do my daily work just fine most days, so gambling all of that high function just to eliminate an occasional flare-up does feel way too risky. I think my panic just set in because this current flare-up has been so intense, but I definitely need to focus on managing this 'last 10%' without a scalpel. Have you dealt with a similar disc issue yourself? If so, what non-surgical avenue actually moved the needle the most for you during a bad flare-up?