 On Sale now at AANS Marketplace  Friday, June 10, 2011  The
Economy and Healthcare  Much is said about the economy these
days-is it rebounding?  Is unemployment down? Who is responsible
for the massive debt? How can we save Medicare?  Into this
setting, a little reality slips in to my office on a frequent
basis.  Today I saw a middle aged man who has a significant
lumbar (lower) spine problem.  He has a ruptured (herniated)
disc with nerve compression causing severe pain, numbness and
weakness.  Together we have tried many treatments to heal this
problem which have given him temporary relief but the symptoms
soon return, usually worse than before.  The time has come when
he should seriously consider surgical intervention BUT he can't.
 Here is his story. This hard working man has spent the last 18
months out of work, made redundant in the heat of the recession.
 Just two months ago he finally landed a great, competitive job
which he loves (and his evaluations have been outstanding to
date) and is finally beg