Do you know anyone that had back or spine surgery and ended up worse after the surgery?

I have had two spine surgeries myself from a military incident, and if I did not endure those surgeries I would be paralyzed from the waist down. I can walk, and half ass jog walk in heels, but I can't run at all or jump, or bend and be flexible like I used to be able too. But I will take this over a damn wheel chair, so those I was medically retired from the Army after this. I do consider the operations a success for not being paralyzed from the waist down.

Yes and that's one reason I'm staying away from it.

That is why many people are booked on pain meds. Some doctors are very good. Most just want to squeeze as much money as possible from patients and insurance companies.

That's why their pet politicians invented "tort reform" to keep quacks from being held responsible.

I would not seek that if you have a pending surgery coming up. The doctors do the best they can, and it takes a long time to heal. Do not compare your situation or experience to others, every one is unique.

Oh, yes. [i]Many[/i] back surgery patients develop "failed back surgery syndrome." I don't know what the ratio is today, but years ago only about a third of all spinal surgeries were successful. I would hope the success rate has improved since then.

My dad. He broke his back at work and didn't know for years. The surgery left him in more pain than before plus an addiction to pain pills.