Someone i know has a degenerative disc between l5 and s1 and arthritis in facet joints there. any help besides fusion and meds? please help. thank you

Facet pain and DDD: Degenerative changes occur in the spine like wrinkles to skin. Most do not need surgery. Nsaid's, tylenol, (acetaminophen) ice/heat, salonpas hot patches, pilates/yoga/piyo are non-medical options. Mckenzie pt is a great program, but requires a doc's rx. Bracing can help pain in some patients, but is expensive. Tens is a glorified heating pad, but if it helps there is no harm. Look for a diam investigation site.

May B: If u have been 2 a pain clinic and failed activity modification, nsaids, injections, seen a spinal surgeon & may have had a positive discography, then u have the choice of surgery or accept what u have & live with it. Always remember then the the saying my mentor always told us " no problem in orthopedics is so bad that it can't be made worse by surgery".