@nycmusic
I can't speak to your question about bone density, however PROBABLY related, I was told by several doctors regarding my apprehension about getting my ACDF at C5 - C7, that I should get it while I still felt good. First time I heard that it sounded counter intuitive, the second time I heard it, it made more sense. Nerve compression, cord compression, Nerves are different than other tissues in our body, the heal but MUCH slower than the rest of the body. You don't want your nerves compressed, starved for blood supply, causing death on a cellular level, because it is possible they will not fully recover. If you have the benefit of a historical record, family history, you can look at your MRI from 10 years ago, and one from last month and see the degenerative conditions worsen over time. I have been told you can't predict your future this way, but it's certainly an indicator to pay attention to. It's called elective surgery because providing a surgeon indicates you need the surgery, it's still your choice. The advice was get it done while your nerves are not screaming out in pain. Regarding my ACDF, symptoms were mile, but persistent. My father had stenosis , sadly I never talked to him about it, so all I knew is he hat that, and was confined to crutches or wheelchair for the last 8 years of his life. Not for me. I pulled the trigger. Great surgeon, surgery was a total success. I remember watching some guy who walked with 2 nurses one on each arm, he was stiff walking, looked as if he would have fallen over if the two nurses turned him loose, And the title of the video was celebrating his walking 12 hrs after surgery. I thought "oh crap" Had 2-level fusion about 9:30 am, Well I got to my hospital room at 2pm, and before I went to sleep, I walked on my own 1/2 mile on the corridor making laps around two nurses stations. I felt like a million bucks. Convinced I know what it means to get it done while you feel good, and why that's important. Now does this logic translate to bone conditions? I would say yes. I would also research how to improve bone density, supplements, hormones, try your best to improve your condition, and then pull the trigger and get it done.