If you need surgery, don't put it off too long. I had a ruptured disc at T1-T12 and one at T5. This at age 39. tried everything went to 3 different surgeons before the last one said that it would help my legs. Arthritis had set up in it and it is still spreading. Couldn't hardly move last year. I finially had the nerve endings burnt. I also have a pain pump and have to have it refilled about every 40 days.I had my back surgery in 2000. It was the best decision I could have made. My legs quit going numb and stinging and burning all the time. Good Luck and God Bless