I'm 35, and wanted to share my experience.

After ongoing issues with my lower back, I had two discectomies (L4/L5 and L5/S1) in March last year. Pain was immediately relieved and I was flying high. Within 5 weeks I reherniated both, so had to have the surgery a second time. It worked for the most part, aside from some minor flare ups.

5 weeks ago I had a major flare, and an MRI confirmed the worst, the disc had busted again, and I needed a fusion that day, so I had no notice.

It went well. 4 weeks since the fusion yesterday. Surgery was fine, they managed my pain amazingly in the hospital (was in from wednesday to sunday). After a week, I was walking around a bit (with the brace). Getting more and more mobile every day. The brace is just like a weightlifting belt. My one is on amazon (aspen back brace).

It's easy to put on, I only have to use it while I'm walking about, and it can't even be seen in you wear it under your clothes. The pain is not chronic anymore, but definitely feeling tired and limited mobility. I live alone, so had my parents come stay for 3 weeks after the surgery, and that was CRITICAL. Make sure you have the support. LMK if I can help in any way or if you have more questions.