@sb6088 Have you asked what would happen if you avoid surgery and your spine condition progresses? Aging affects discs and they dry and shrink a bit. If they are weakened, a crack may open up causing a herniation. As discs shrink, the vertebrae bones get closer together and vertebrae can start to fuse themselves if bone spurs grow and the bone remodels from uneven pressure. That may create a condition that is inoperable and with less space between the bones, there may be compression at the nerve roots.

Surgery is a big decision and your recovery and experience won’t be the same as someone else’s. Getting second opinions and more will help inform your decision. Lumbar surgery has a long recovery and is more difficult than cervical surgery because you are bearing most of your body weight on the lower spine. You may get different solutions from different surgeons. Ask how soon surgery is recommended and how long you could wait. Ask if physical therapy can help. Often a heath insurance company wants to see physical therapy tried before authorizing surgery. Take your time and make an informed decision and ask lots of questions about how your life will change after surgery because of lost motion of the spine.