Had a prolapsed disc earlier this year. It happened whilst working on the avionic rack of a 767 in Frankfurt.
My basic level of German health insurance (deducted at source and very similar to the Nat Ins mechanism) got me sorted out and back to work within 5 weeks. That included an MRI scan, 3x radiographer supervised spinal injections direct to the disc, (one a week for three weeks.) physio and follow up appointments. The kind kraut insurance also paid me 1200 euro for the inconvenience.
Shawt,
The NHS is a dead parrot and the way you have been treated is a perfect example of the Broken Covenant.
I banged out of the UK 5 years ago and have never looked back.
There is a better everything in the rest of Europe i say.
Good luck with your back.
Talk