text: So, your cervical spine (top of back) is misaligned, thoracic (middle) spine is sprained, and lumbar is herniated.  First they do conservative methods with meds and physical therapy.  Do whatever you can before you opt for surgery.  They usually do it when the bulge finally ruptures.  The ortho companies are getting better with new products, but your spine is never the same and you usually wind up having more surgery.  I had a herniated disk at L5-S1.  My right leg went numb.  Started at the hip and eventually went down to my toes.  Could not walk or drive.  I ended up having 2 nerve blocks.  After the 2nd, I have been doing my exercises and not abusing my back.  I sit working all day and have to get up very often and "stretch."  I have been fine since.  \nA chiropractor usually fixes the subluxations, but if you are hurting all down your spine, that may be scary.  You either like chiropractors or you do not.  There is no middle ground.  I was pushed to try it and it made things worse.  I have friends who live for them.  Good luck.