I have nothing but good things to say about having had emergency surgery from L2,-S1. Revision surgery last summer so now 12 pedicle screws L2-S2. But I never had back pain. Only excruciating nerve pain down both legs which progressed into difficulty even walking. So I guess I was the ideal candidate for fusion. I never complained and haven't since about my aching back. Perhaps if someone expects this kind of surgery to alleviate muscle pain they are in for a rough ride. Because that's not the intent at all. I didn't choose my neurosurgeon. It was an emergency. But I went back to him because my right foot was cold and I had yet nerve pain. He checked all the screws replaced two loose ones and put some long ones at S2. I am happy indeed. I have arthritis in my cervical spine it's severe on an image but no problem for me. Unless I develop nerve pain I won't seek relief for that. I've lived with that for decades. I'm good. My mother at 88 had laminectomy for her spinal stenosis. Much much easier recovery. My neurosurgeon wisely sent me to endocrinologist for osteoporosis. That is something I appreciate at age 67. I'm at higher risk for several reasons. I am thin. And female. So now I'm getting treatment + take calcium magnesium zinc D and I walk a great deal. And do not fall. That's the absolute most thing I think. Good balance. Weight bearing exercise. For my back and general health.