Kind of in the same boat as you are on do NOT have the PhD. LOL. I have been dealing with my back for nearly 15 years and am just waiting for a new date for my surgery. I am having a decompression lumbar laminectomy with spinal fusion L4- Sacrum using pedicle screws and rods. I got myself very worried by watching too many videos of this procedure on Youtube. Not my best move. I have such pain, even with the pain meds, that I am anxious to get this done. I just tell myself that if it NEVER worked, they would not continue to do this procedure. It has percentages of success rates online and they surprised me as to how high they were. Just keep a positive mind frame and Im sure with the right surgeon, you will have relief from your pain to some extent. Good Luck,