You know how bad it hurts when your back "goes out"? Just had this done and 1st undamaged disk did not hurt. They numb you and give something to relax you but I was WIDE AWAKE. Then they got to 2nd disk. Started feeling pressure and pain in my buttocks. Nothing I haven't felt before. Then the 3rd disk it hurt bad but only for a brief period because he knew he had duplicated my pain. This is nothing you have not felt before so you will be fine. I scared myself to death reading posts on the internet and almost cancelled it. It is the best thing I ever did. Now my doc knows EXACTLY where the problem is and what I have been complaining about all along! Good luck! You can do it and you will be glad you did!!!