I sufered with back pain for 8 years. It steadily got worse. After a flare up and several days in bed I knew I had to do something. So what I'm saying is, "you will know when it's time". FYI, I had 3 level ADR L34, L45 and L5S1 in March 2017 with Dr Bartgnoli in Bogen Germany, I highly recommend him.

If you dont mind me asking what do you do for a living? Im in construction, but not full time. Im the boss but when a guy gets sick i fill in if needed so im trying to get all the information that i can about men or women that have physically demanding jobs and how they have either moved into something else or had success returning to work.

Thanks for taking the time to comment.

Dr mark smith
 

My first two surgeons were good men. Both from USA in Ny. Both said wait till your quality of life is unacceptable. Because the technology isn't quite there yet. If your eating real pain pills or taking nerve Med's everyday then it's time, if you have gotten out of shape cause of pain it's time. If not I would agree that the success rates n disc designs will eventually only get better. Also I would research longevity and avoid the lastest n greatest.