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You may want to ask your surgeon to explain his or her thinking and planning for you. But be aware that many studies show significant changes on MRI in patients who have absolutely no symptoms. And the reverse is also true. Patients with no obvious changes on X-rays or MRIs can have significant symptoms. Most normal discs are seen on MRIs as pushing beyond the borders of the neighboring vertebral body.
These are some of the reasons why doctors don't rely solely on imaging studies to make a treatment recommendation. Your history and clinical presentation, along with results of any additional testing are all taken into consideration. In most cases, surgery is held out as the last resort. It is advised only after at least six months of conservative care has failed.
Researchers are studying the structures of the spine trying to figure out just where the pain is coming from. If the disc itself isn't the source of the pain, then what is? It's puzzling that some patients who have the disc removed have relief from their painful symptoms. Yet others who have the same type of back pain and who have the same type of surgery to remove the disc still have pain after the operation.
There's still much we don't know about back pain, its source, and how to treat it effectively. Your experience is a good example of this concept.
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