Has anyone had back surgery for a herniated disk?

The last disk in my back is herniated. It hurts pretty much all the time if I don't take my medicine. I've been on pills for about 3 years and I really don't want to take them for the rest of my life. Has anyone had the surgery? If so what was the procedure and did it work? I've heard they do it endoscopic now too and I'm interested to hear if it works.

Thanks!

I have a prolapsed disc that does whatever it does, hit the nerve roots and down I go. Pain, well last time I passed out cold for three hours on the floor. I also have Arthritis, so unless I loose my bowel and bladder function they are NOT going to operate. The concern is that at 49 and with the Rheumatoid Arthritis I will probably build up scar tissue which will be more painful in years to come than the original disc problem. Therefore no pills but I am on the Fentanyl Transdermal Patches. Fentanyl is 80 times stronger than morphine. This was rough at first because my stomach and head reeled but eventually I got their and now no side effects TG. This enables me to be active and I took up Nine Months of Pilates to strengthen my back, tighten up the tummy to hold the back and now do Pilates at home, keep my muscles taught. I also do Aqua Jogging once a week as you have a belt to wear so that means zero gravity while jogging. Then Sauna and Steam. No like you I am not into popping pills and pain medication can make you constipated, another reason not to take the pills but the Patch is excellent. While they do operate on Discs, they do not like to, because of the risks involved and this scar tissue build up, let alone the sucess over pain control. Lets be honest, do you really want to take the RISK? Initially I assumed they would operate and was really upset when the Physician said NO! Since then and I am being honest I am so glad he said 'NO', because for me the RISKS were too high. I do worry when I get this nerve root pain that I will loose my bowel and bladder function, but it seems that is a emergency operation to restore nerve function. My worry is not so much the loss of bowel and bladder function, but the fact they will be poking and prodding my spine, spinal cord. I really do not like that idea whatsoever, one slip and I could be Paralyzed, the risk is too high for me.

I heard that there is even a laser procedure that you might be able to do

Yes it works on about 89% of the people who have this surgery. After about 6 months you should be almost pain free. But you may still have a lil but it is tollerable after this surgery.
and the others it doesn not help. but you are young and should make a quick recovery
kits

I have four herniated discs in my back. I have not used painkillers or any other drugs for nearly 3 years now. Strengthening the appropriate muscles in your back is the best way to deal with the problem. See an orthopaedic specialist, if you can, or a good physiotherapist. Avoid painkillers, inactivity, chiropractors, acupuncturists and faith healers. Try to find the right exercises from qualified professionals and surgery may not be necessary.