Most doctors do NOT like to operate on the T area (thoracic) because it's so close to major organs (heart, lungs). Things have to be pretty desperate before they will ~ and you have a hard time FINDING a surgeon who will even do it then!!

As for the lumbar, the doctors are right - you are pretty young for that kind of surgery. You see, once you have surgery, things are NEVER the same. And after surgery, other levels will fail too because they have to take on more of the load due to the previous surgery you had. So it's a never ending cycle. Pain is NEVER a reason for surgery - Surgery does NOT correct pain. Most of the time you will still have the pain after surgery. Surgery only corrects mechanical problems ~ but your pain will still be there.

I've had 2 open surgeries - not the minimally invasive kind. But this holds true for the minimally invasive surgeries. I'm now disabled due to the surgeries, and have permanent sciatica. Most of the rest of the discs have either bulged or herniated, but I'm now deemed inoperable. My only option is pain management. You too would be best served by pain management or physical therapy. Ask your doctor for a referral. Best of luck and God bless. Hugs, Lee