Last year my husband had a discectomy to relieve a pinched nerve (we thought) in his lower lumbar. Since the surgery, his condition has not improved. He periodically - and for no apparent reason - has "episodes" of extreme pain, starting at his hip and radiating down his leg. Often his foot goes numb. Just as mysteriously, the extreme symptoms disappear, though he always experiences some level of pain.

He has undergone PT several times and performed home exercises, to no avail. He has had cortisone injections in his hip, also unsuccessful. He is returning to our primary care doc tomorrow to demand every nerve test available. Since nothing has worked, including surgery, he has obviously not gotten a complete diagnosis.

What tests can he ask for? Might alternative medical procedures be of some help (acupuncture, etc.)? Do you have any other advice?