I had an L5-S1 fusion that was supposed to take the pressure off a nerve that was supposedly causing my back pain ansdneuropathy in feet. Surgery went fine, but never helped with the oain. Tread lightly when it comes to surgery, Get multiple opinions. Check around (like here). I am convinced that surgery can be helpful if it is truly going to fix the proble. Too often, it seems as if these surgeons are just making "best guess" diagnoses.