I had neck and back surgery in my 20's. I had a total disc replacement in C5 and L4. It was a good decision. The surgeries were a success.

Unfortunately I have six bulging disks, disk degeneration and some type of arthritis. But C5 and L4 were herniated. Excruciating.

If your health insurance is good and you have a serious back problem, I encourage you to think about it. I had immediate relief - no more disc rubbing against my spinal nerve and no more sciatic pain.

The back surgery recovery took longer than neck surgery recovery but it wasn't awful. Good luck if you proceed. I know it's tough.