Episode 86 - You must listen before having spinal surgery.

If you've been told you need surgery for sciatica or chronic lower back pain, don't panic—there's a better path. In this episode, Dr. JD Dudum breaks down the research behind lumbar disc herniations, why most people heal without surgery, and how to identify the real cause of your pain. He explains what sciatica really is, how to test for it at home using the slump test, and why MRIs—when used correctly—can be a powerful tool for diagnosis and treatment planning. Dr. Dudum also shares the powerful case study of Chad, a 40-year-old patient who suffered for 9 months with no relief, only to become pain-free in 8 weeks after the right diagnosis and spinal decompression treatment. This episode offers real hope, clear action steps, and a path to healing without going under the knife. 00:40 – What is sciatica? Symptoms explained 02:10 – Research: 90% of cases heal in 1 year 02:47 – Slump test: Try this at home 03:30 – When to get an MRI (and why it's useful) 05:08 – Chad's story: 9 months of pain, healed in 8 weeks #SciaticaRelief #BackPainHelp #AvoidSurgery #SpinalDecompression #DiscHerniation #BackAtItPodcast #DrJDDudum #NaturalHealing #ChronicPainRecovery #YouDontNeedSurgery