Hi ~ Get at least 2-3 opinions before jumping into surgery. You will never be the same afterwards. Surgery does NOT correct the pain. Surgery ONLY corrects mechanical problems. Usually you are left with the same pain or worse. If you happen to get pain relief, it was pure luck. Don't believe a doctor who says he can relieve your pain - he can't.

Also after surgery, the levels above/below the surgical level will fail - they have to take up more of the load. It's called the domino effect. It almost always happens. I've had 2 open spinal surgeries, and mine failed each time -- I'm now inoperable and disabled due to the surgeries. This past year, it was reported that almost ALL the spinal surgeries in the U.S. would have had the same result if the patient had just had physical therapy.

That is why I tell people NOT to have surgery UNLESS their spinal cord is being impinged OR they are in danger of permanent nerve damage. Otherwise, it's best to go to pain management and physical therapy, as you'll get better pain relief.

I wish you the very best. God bless and take care. Hugs, Lee