What do you advise if i'm having surgery on the spine?

Know the plan: If possible exhaust your conservative options including time, home exercise, weight loss, physical therapy, chiropractic, injections, medication management, psychotherapy, etc. If you are experiencing progressive neurological deficits including numbness, weakness, diminished reflexes and bowel or bladder incontinence you may not have the luxury of time & surgery may be necessary.

Education: You would want to make sure you are well educated regarding the nature of your condition, your operative and no operative treatment options as well, so you can be confident in proceeding in the manner you are most comfortable with.