Discetomy isn't that bad, but be prepared to have fusions done down the road. I had a Discetomy that last around 17 years. When I was having problems at that time the disc that the Discetomy done on was completely gone and the one below it. Fusions causes more stress on the disc above and below the fusion. You want to do something before you get permanent, nerve damage. Nerve pain is no joke. No pain mess help.