24 year son ruptured l-5/sciattica. epidural worked 2 weeks & now sciattica returning despite pt/traction/epidural. does that mean surgery is needed?

No: Your son may have injured his gluteal tendons or his muscles and fascia, with the pain having little to do with his spine and nerves. You will need a specialist who can examine him who knows a lot about myofascial pain and these tendon injuries.

Discussion: Every case is different. See neurosurgeon to discuss benefits and risks of surgery. In many cases conservative treatment works. Only physician who evaluated the patient can make recommendations.

Not necessarily : Physical therapy and repeat epidural are more conservative methods.