I would say do not have spinal surgery unless you have tried everything else - PT - core strengthening and injections and even then only after you have sought out multiple consultations and be sure one of them is with a qualified neurosurgeon. I had spinal fusion l4/l5 with a highly recommended orthopedic surgeon who incorrectly placed the cage and put a screw into my l4 nerve. This was a large orthopedic office, highly praised and very affluent. The damage done was unbelievable. I was in pain and unable to walk for months before a CT scan revealed the damage and even then the surgeon minimized the situation stating that "things must have shifted." I sought a second opinion through a neurosurgeon who had to tell me the truth. I have had revision surgery with 2 neurosurgeons that revealed extensive damage done by the 1st surgery. They did they best they could to fix the damage but unfortunately it has left me with considerable pain and inability to completely walk. Spinal surgery can go great or it can go very badly very quickly with little to no recourse. Either way it can be life changing. I just wouldn't recommend it unless you truly have no other option.