@josephrotella I'm sorry that you are suffering with a spine problem. I know surgery can be scary, but it can also be the best thing that you do for yourself. It was for me! I chose to have surgery when my symptoms were just beginning, because that was my best shot for success. I have no regrets, and it was a success.

You will have to ask your surgeon what is best for you. Honestly, when there is spinal cord and possible nerve root compression, it may cause disability and loss of function. Surgery may help that, but also may not depending on how advanced it is. When nerves are compressed, they can die causing permanent damage. Surgeons can't always tell you when that would happen, but they have the training to advise your care.

Most of us are scared of surgery. It is a weighty decision and you need to get a lot of medical information so you can understand your choices, and choose you best path forward. As patients, we hope for a miracle cure. Surgery requires patience to get though healing and rehab, and believing that your life will get better. Surgery may also cause lasting pain, but that has to be answered by the doctor. Your experience will be different from someone else's. You owe it to yourself to find out so you can make your best choice going forward.