I have had these issues and the fusion of three levels in my lumbar area. If Naproxen isn't cutting it, I would ask the general practioner for a steroid pack for a week which might help with inflammation. I also suggest he see a pain management specialist for stronger drugs or injections of steroids if possible . I don't know if they will allow that before specialist. The pain is definitely debilitating. I lived on pain patches, Gabapentin, injections before my surgery, which took a long time to get. However, I had a bone spur sitting on my L5 nerve in addition to the degenerative discs. I would definitely follow up with original doctor and say Naproxen isn't cutting it. Good luck to your husband on his journey.