I had crippling back pain; bulged disc, L-5, and a restricted nerve canal at L-5. I would go to work, limp home and sit in my recliner all evening until bed. It was the only way I was pain free. I finally had surgery and I was one of the lucky ones. It was like a flipping a light switch, from the moment I woke up in the recovery room I was pain free. I rode the cycling part of a team triathlon 30 days after my surgery.
I’m very careful with my back. I try not to lift too much or twist wrong and I have to keep my hamstrings well stretched to remain pain free. Doc said I might need the surgery again in about 7-10 yrs, that was about 15 yrs ago…Still going strong.
Best of luck to you