@jkgraham393
Welcome Julie ,
Although we are not doctors who can tell you what to do, we are patients who can share our experiences.

I certainly understand your fear of such a surgery. I am 64 and had a cervical spine surgery at the end of February 2018, folloed be a lumbar spine surgery 7 months later.

Although they say you'll be better in x amount of time, it takes 1 year - 18 months for it to be REALLY HEALED. However, if you don't take care as you do right after surgery, the pain returns.

I personally don't regret having it done! I am painfree for the first time in over a decade.

I suggest you do research to find a neurosurgeon you feel comfortable. You can do this by Googling doctor reviews. Search neurosurgeons. Look through several sites.

Good luck!
Ronnie (GRANDMAr)