hi there may i know what are ur symptom so far?? and how old are you? i am also a back pain sufferer for 5 years now, was diganosed with multi level disc degeneration on my cervical and mild spinal stenosis and nerve impingement on l4,l5 and disc bulge as well..i am 38 yrs old and i konw how it affects us.. i am sorrry to hear you also have lots of degeneration..keep up your faith and i hope u will take control of your pain...
What are the actual symptoms that you are having that are causing you to not function with your daily life? I've been told by physiotherapist before that they've seen xrays and mri's before of people you wouldn't think could walk, but do and suffer no pain at all. I would speak to your MD and ask that very question and if it would be safe for you to try other methods of care, such as physio or massage therapy (sometimes its contraindicated when nerve problems are present) which should be confirmed. Surgery is always the last last last last thing addressed because there are always large risks involved (like death, infection, blood loss), so if symptoms can be managed for you to continue with your life well, then surgery could be avoided. Good luck!! I wish you to be pain free :)