Every story is just a little different.... years ago...BAM...couldn't walk...excruciating pain etc..... had the op. where they made a small incision & sliced away the bulged disk that was squished into my spinal column.... Yes I have numbness that happened before the op....yes...it's still a bulged disk....BUT.... most important.... no pain..... Just make sure to get out & walk every day & do all the stretching exercises you're told to do!