Herniated disk in lower back.?

My doctor has talked about surgery. Does anyone know what they do for surgery? I know everyone is different, I would just like a brief idea. Thanks

I was told I had protruding discs, (3rd and 4th from the bottom?) and was told I would need surgury. Everyone I talked to who had back surgury admitted they traded one pain for another. My problem was that my left leg would feel like it was on fire (sciatica). Someone told me I at least needed to lose weight. I lost 25 pounds and then I started some stretching exercises..something like a modified yoga. All the leg pain went away about 6 months after losing the weight and much stretching, but I still have to be careful about lifting heavy weights and bending over during cold winters (need to stretch/warm up first).

me neighbor is a college football player and had a herniated disk. He had surgery the basically moved it back and did stuff with the nerves but he was back on his feet in like 2 days.

2 Herniated discs, I had a discectomy and laminotomy performed, bed ridden for 2 months (realistically in bed for 2 weeks w/ no driving or being in cars, but back to work in a month)

I have had two herniated disks in my back and from my own experiance I would be wary of a doctor immediately suggesting surgery. Have you tried heat and just plain walking? This has allowed both of my disks to heal on their own. Yes, it was painful both times and yes, I felt like I couldn't walk straight for a while , but the doctor suggested I try taking short walks and lengthening the distance by a bit each day. Even if I could only do 2 extra steps each time I went. It took about a month, but both times it did heal on its own. I would certainly get a second opinion from another physician NOT associated with the first doctor. It may be that you really do need surgery, but I would want at least 2 trusted doctors to give me their thoughts on alternative therapy as well as the surgical opinion. Being cut on has its own risks and sometimes time will do the trick.

I had a herniated disc at my L5/S1 and L4/L5 levels.

I had a laminectomy on the L5/S1 level and it helped greatly with the sciatic pain in my left leg but now I have pain in both my legs.

Did your doctor suggest a spinal fusion or a laminectomy?

A laminectomy is very common and you shouldn't be scared. I was up walking the next day and at home after 3 days though my mum had to come and look after me and my daughter from interstate.