I had four back surgeries. Two by neurologist and two by orthopedic surgeon. I started with neuro because assumed they were better able to prevent paralysis etc. this surgery included implantation of a metal cage with screws, expand the openings within the spine, laminectomy etc My surgeon does spinal surgery all the time. My neuro had many other job responsibilities as well so didn’t have as many surgeries So personally would choose ortho for surgery
After one of my surgeries I still felt the disc pain and told the neuro I don’t think he got it all and the pain was different than pain after surgery. Of course docs believe they know my body better than me so dismissed it and six weeks later the mri showed fragments floating around. We need to be persist. We are experts of our own bodies
My most recent back surgery I was in my 50’s and recovery was slower and seemed more painful. Was on pain meds for almost a month. Walk walk walk. I was scared that I could mess something up and was very protective of my body. The nurses have orders to get lumbar surgical patients up and walking the First night. Everything is freaking painful and difficult the first night and absolutely request pain meds as soon as you awake from surgery which helps for breakthrough pain. Many hospitals are short staffed and may not get you pain meds in time. Recommendation: if pain meds are given every for hours start requesting them 3.5 hours after the last one. If in a lot of pain request more. Some people feel more than others. The opioid crisis has resulted in many doctors not providing enough medication to provide pain relief. Do not feel embarrassed or weak because you need additional relief. Hopefully it will lessen the pain enough to sleep
Sorry for the blabbering but want you to have the least pain possible. Severe pain slows healing physically and emotionally it also may cause increased blood pressure increased blood sugar which is all far worse than pain meds
Good luck