[zcaveman]

Originally Posted by billethkid

based on the aches and pains of the here and now. However, when contemplating surgery, looking to cure the aches and pains, a key question to get as much information as one can is....after the surgery, as in 5 years later will I still be better off?

I learned a long time ago from a neuro surgeon that 5 years out many maladies are back as before the surgery.
I elected to not have it. Today I am no worse off and maybe even better. The key ingredient for SOME (me included) was increased and ONGOING activity.
The more you move the better you feel. The better conditioned the body and cardio vascular system the more pain free one is/remains.

SOME do not have a choice.

btk

I was having back pains. The doctor sent me to one of these physical therapy places. After their treatments I felt the same as when I walked in. They were surprised. I asked for an MRI. I was then diagnosed with lumbar stenosis. I went to a neurosurgeon who said that only surgery would help me. I was operated on in November, 2006. I immediately felt better. Some on the pain came back in 2008. The neurosurgeon set me up with a pain specialist. I went to two sessions for the shots. I felt better but it did not seem worth more shots. I am now doing much better than before the 2006 surgery but am not 100%. I can play golf and do some simple things around the house. Tedious work that includes bending still causes me pains. I am glad that I got the surgery. I don't think I could still be a productive and happy person without it.