I just had it done four weeks ago...not by choice, ruptured mine!! Otherwise I have had a herniation at another level for 10 years...my advice...only have surgery if physical excercise and chiropractor don't work. Try yoga/Pilates too. Surgery can always make things worse...that was the advice I was given 10 years ago. I was controlling mine with working out and flexibilty and knowing when an antimflamatory drug was needed. Everyone is different, but that is my story =D