How painful is back surgery typically?

Why and what surgery: First question is, do you need surgery? Seek a second opinnion. Most times back surgery stabilizes the spne but does not necessarily reduce the pain. A reputable pain management specialist can help you in that decision. Do not mask the pain with medications though. Find the root cause and treat with the least invasive treatment possible.

Depends on type &: This can be as simple as a needle stick type procedure to endoscopic or other minimally invasive techniques which can be done under conscious sedation to microdisectomy lumbar or cervical under general anesthesia but home the same day to anterior cervical disectomy & fusion done same day too. You go home on pain pills .Orher surgeries can be more extensive requiring 1-7 night stay in hospital.