Dear Ben, Bikelet;

Thanks for your replies and help, it was really very helpful as I discussed your suggestions and advices with the treating physio and though I am not a medical specialist – it seemed to me that he benefit very much from your suggestions.

Now – after about two months and ten days (total of 9 weeks) – from returning back home and starting the medical treatment - it seems that I am much much better.

I can walk for an hour without problem – I can stand for half an hour without problem – I can sit to my computer disk for about 4 or 5 hours (on one hour cycles without a problem)

I still remember that when I felt that sort of disability I was quite afraid to go for surgery – though – I think that we have very good neuro-spinal surgeons in Egypt (may be because of the very high number of population and practice )

However – I think that :the advice to wait at least 6-8 weeks and give other treatments an opportunity is very practical and clever.

The only problem I had (or sometimes have) is that a mild feeling of numbness in my left foot or extra weight – but it is not persistent – it comes and goes.

It also started to be less annoying after I had been put onto a course of vitamin B injections.

Doctors also advised to be on alpha lipoic acid (food supplement) – 600 mg / day
Taking into account the adoption of diabetes medication – as it increases the efficiency of insulin absorption (to avoid hypoglycemia) – but it is not an easy medication for people who have GIT problems.

I also got McKenzie book: Treat Your Own Back – and I read through it and started to do the exercises as advised: extension in laying down – but I soon gave up after I felt a pain in my upper thoracic back area.

- The exercise is a three phase – sleep on the ground face down – breath steady for
three min.
- Do semi extension by putting by raising the back while elbows are semi bent.
- Then extend the elbows and raise the back as much as possible 10 or 15 min each 2
sec.

I do not know what happens but of course I am quite afraid to cause any harm to my back – any advice regarding that.

Also, is that numbness of feel of heaviness in my left foot (which is causal) is something serious or I should neglect and it will completely disappear.

However – thanks all for your help and advice e.