Hey there Big B., Mikey Z told me you were goin' in for surgery yesterday. I'm with DuckInTheFog and hope you got a second opinion. I had 6 ruptured discs in my back from a construction accident (L1,L2,L3,T1,T2,T3) and was layed up in bed for 3 months. Got many opinions before opting NOT to go under the knife.
Back can get a little sore at times, OK a-lot, and may lay me up for a day or two, but I have met too many guys that just aren't the same after surgery.
9 out of 10 MD's prefer drift boat rowing for a strong back. hehehe
Rowing and keeping the stomach and back muscles in shape made a world of diference for me.
Cant remember his name but there was a pretty good Chiropractor I used to see over in Kirkland. Guy was the Chiropractor for the US Olympic Boxing Team. The exercise program and physical therapy he put me on worked great.
Here's wishing you a speedy recovery no matter what route you take!!