<s>[INST] I am hving bilat lower buttock pain. Increase with lying down. Feels better when walking. I had a mri which showed a lot of dengerative disease. I am a nurse. But at the l5 level it is showing encrouchment of the nerve where I had surgury before. Can surgury help the buttock pain? I have tried the steroid , neurontin without effect. Forget the pain meds those aren t the answer. My doctor said that I will have to live with the pain. OMG I hope not [/INST] Hi, Thank you for contacting Healthcare magic. First of all, I wish to reassure you that your pain would reduce with treatment and you won't have to live with pain. Following measures would be helpful: 1. Physiotherapy- back extension exercises, pain relief measures such as IFT/Ultrasound/traction, etc. I have seen many people get well with them. 2. Avoid forward bending and lifting heavy weights. 3. I would agree with you that repeat surgery may not work, and hence you should not go for it at this stage. Also, second surgery is technically more difficult. 4. Some people get relief with neuropathic pain medications, such as pregabalin. Best wishes, Dr Sudhir Kumar MD DM (Neurology) Senior consultant Neurologist Apollo Hospitals, Hyderabad </s>