Are you dealing with an orthopedic or neurologist? I had a diskectomy in 1990 after many months of major sciatic pain in my left leg. Very easy procedure a Neurosurgeon removed the hearniated part of the disc and I have been good since. I know some that had the full fusion procedure and they said their results were not as good but that was 1990 so take it for what its worth but like I say I have been good since.

I was thinking a headectomy

that would scare me. Steve Kerrs went bad.

Bob, I have major issues in my lower back and every Doctor will tell you to try what ever you can until nothing works before you do a fusion. Some say to prolong so they can get better procedures. Some say they are risky (for me anyway because mine comes and goes). Some say that it puts too much stress on the joint above the fusion and those would need fusions over time (my Mom has had three back fusions). You will know it is time to do yours when you reach that point.

Best of luck to you.

My Neurosurgeon in Tyler, Dr. Detwiler, told me to ride the injections as long as they worked. Once I couldn't stand the pain any longer, come back and he'll do a Laminectomy. He said only after all that could he recommend spinal fusion. I have no discs left in my neck, Bob. The pain from pinched nerves and muscle spasms got so bad four years ago, I just wanted relief! One Neuro here said fusion, 3 or four of them which would have left me disabled. So I went to Dr. Detwiler for a second opinion. After 3 sets of 3 injections between the bottom three vertebrae in my neck, 6 weeks apart, the excruciating pain finally went away. I've been virtually pain free now for about 4 years, but I'm starting to have pain issues again, so I'll probably be getting the injections again, soon.

Also, what about a synthetic disc? They're not approved for use in the cervical vertebrae but are for lumbar surgeries.

I sitting next to my wife as she recovers from surgery done on Friday. We just got her home 2 days ago. I took 10 days off to help out before her Mom starts coming over. She had a cage done on L4-L5. She suffers from arthritis in her spine and had major nerve compression which resulted in a lot of pain.

We had it done at Trophy Club med center and Dr Kesani is her surgeon.

I am not in any pain just sitting or most normal activity but if I climb some stairs or walk a lot, it barks at me. I don't want to go downhill from here so I am opting to get it fixed. What say ye?

He is an orthopedic surgeon. It sounds like they have some good results today with the apparatus they are now using to do this.
THanks

Don't give me any boogey man stories please. I'm not going to look anything up about it on the interwebs.