I am glad you found Neuro Talk. I want to welcome you here. You should find alot of information regarding back problems. In my case, Surgery was a must, I didn't have a choice as the condition of my spine could not be helped with injections or increase in narcotics. I also had reversed the curve of my spine. In most cases surgery is a last option. If you are still activelly running, maybe another opinion would be best. Most times they do surgery, you are pretty limited in just about any activity because of the pain. If your pain keeps you from your activities, and is considered a must for surgery, that would be the time to do it. Have you gotten two neruologists to concur that you need this done? I did have a good outcome, but it was after a first failed surgery. There are lots of success stories here as well. I just want to offer a little caution and to make sure you have more than one opinion. Not all back problems warrant a surgical intervention. It is always a last resort. ginnie