Should I have Surgery or not?

you must be in a lot of pain. i don't know the reason why you wouldn't want to have the surgery -- but for me, mainly i was scared of the outcome. why don't you try going to a specialist who can give u a clear idea as to how the procedure is going to be performed. they can give you the risks and all. when you already know enough -- that's the time u decide. to go on enduring the back pain or have it done with a surgery.

I had back surgery done many years ago and I delayed it for quite a while hoping to find a non-intrusive cure. I was honestly worried about having surgery done due to the horror stories I'd read from those who did not experience success. However, my condition did not improve and after 2 MRIs, they confirmed that my disc was torn and the best solution would be to operate and remove the gel so that the cartilage would develop scar tissue and thereby close up the tear. The surgery went by fine and now, I am virtually pain free. I will only experience aches at times when I over exert my back and I minimize that occurrence by exercising regularly. You mentioned that your condition has steadily deteriorated. Back surgeries nowadays are pretty safe according to statistics, and if you are really worried, explore the possibilities of having keyhole surgery done. They are apparently safer and you recover faster as well post-op. Shop around for a good surgeon and always ask more questions on the surgery that you are unsure about. You might experience some pain post op but that is usually due to some nerve damage which is unavoidable as the surgery usually requires them to cut through some of that to get to your damaged discs but after surgery, you will be given medication and also rehab which will put you on the recovery road, which will also include your damaged nerved regenerating (or something similar I am not sure of the medical terms). That contributes partly to the post op pain but after a couple of years it should improve, but keep in mind to stay on the exercise and rehab diligently and always treat your back with care and respect after that. Good luck.

awww quit being a big baby scarty cat and have the surgery. you know you want it. whats the worst that can happen a) you have the surgery and get no more pain or b) you dont have the surgery and stay in pain. gee its a no brainer ya think.

My father-in-law had back surger done years ago. And he has more problems now. He is constantly in pain. But every person is different its hard to say how you would react to it. good luck to you though

I just had a spinal fusion done the beginning of November. I had been in increasing pain for a year and a half. I tried everything just short of surgery until nothing else worked. I'm still kind of in the process of recuperating, but I believe it was the best thing I could have done. I wish I had done it so much sooner, but I was scared too. I had heard so many horror stories from people that said they had back surgery, but that they were worse off for it. As long as you find a reputable doctor (and I mean, do the research yourself) and make sure that all of your questions are answered, you should be able to feel a little more comfortable about it. Also, a lot depends on what other treatments you have tried to alleviate the pain...