I have had long standing lower right sided back pain radiating down to top of right foot..had EMG test (normal), MRI showed minor disk bulge L4-L5 with arthritis in facet joints..nothing herniating from disk- I have done PT, have TENS, very active do yoga/stretches- multiple diagnositc injections to L4, piriformis and SI joint-none were successful..I went to chiropractor for first time today and she took xrays looked at MRI said the arthritis in facets has caused added strain/compression to L5- the disk space on xray was half that of L4- I know MRI is more telling but looking at the xrays with her ( I am nurse +10 yrs) the disk space was much smaller at L5..could this be putting pressure on sciatic nerve explaining my radiating leg and foot pain? Is it acceptable, to return to my ortho dr who has not been agreeable to inject L5 in the past as I have asked..and revisit the discussion based on my visit with chiropractor? She did do some adjustment-no improvement-but I am open minded and know it took a long time for my back to get this bad (can t sit at work more than 15 min and pain level consistantly between 6-8) Any ideas for pain control? Motrin, ice, topical creams are not helping..I have tried Tramadol, Oxycontin 10 mg, Percocet ( worked but feel bad to ask for more) I have 2 children under 4, work full time, and in grad school! I need to function at high pace..this has been a challenge..