i hurt my back during weight lifting in high school. though I didn't know it at the time. it ached for a bit, I didn't think anything of it. it wasn't until a few years later at work, my fingers and toes started going numb. not good.

I cant remember the exact number location, but it was the lower back. the damage had created a calcium spur, and it was pinching on the nerves.

i too didn't like the idea of them going into my spine and digging around, but it was only getting worse.
i had major back surgery 10 days before my 21st birthday. i will be 39 in about 4 months.

it was immediately better. though i have had the rare of occasion of muscle spasms, and back cramps. im not sure if this is a symptom of the surgery(piece of something floating around in there) or just lack of stretching and proper exercise. but that hasn't happened in many years, so im inclined to think it was the latter.

im with the other guys, get it done. im glad i did.