Get 2 more opinions (IMHO). I had a highly regarded surgeon tell me I had degenerative disc disease and had to have L3-4-5 fused. I was pretty young with little kids and a tough job so I declined. Lived in chronic pain for 5 years, eating 12-16 ibuprofen per day. Got bad ulcers due to the ibuprofen. I stopped taking Vicodin after seeing myself taking 12 of those per day and not being able to crap. Steroid injections, PT, chiropractors, the works.
Long story short, saw a different Dr and he laughed at the previous diagnosis. Did a microlaminectomy as an outpatient. In the hospital at 530AM and out at 2PM. I was pain free the next day and have been good ever since.
