Where do I go next?

[Larry Witlen]

I am new to this site, and would like to see if I can get some suggestions. I am losing hope to eliminate the sciatica which I have had since I overexerted my lower back (L4-L5, S-1) on 9/05. I immediately used a chiropracter so I could deal with pain and stand straight. I took an MRI showing an internal rupture of L5. I did PT to minimize the numbness in my left foot. Little improvement (working with peraformis, using traction, exercise, deep masage, etc.) and no permanent relief was found. So I went to a neurologist revealing obvious weakness. Then to a pain center where 4 spinal injections produced no relief. I had an operation to clear the cartilage and remove arthritis. No go. But I had a leakage of spinal fluid, so I took another MRI. This showed that the fluid was putting pressure on the nerve. Now, after my second operation which removed more arthritis and made more room for the nerve, there is still numbness. I am just beginning to stimulate the area through rubbing, ice, heat, and using a TENS machine. I have an appt. for another neurosurgeon. Any suggestions? Did I miss something?