Pcp & chiro agree i should consider surgery for lower back l3-4 bulge l4-5 herniation l5-s1 bulge. i'm scared what do i need to know and consider?

Ask: Ask for an opinion from a reputable neurosurgeon or ortho that does back surgery. Most bulges are treated medically unless there is nerve damage that might become permanent . With time the disk will dehydrate and diminish in size with decrease of symptoms without surgery.

Second opinion : While some people do get great relief from back surgery. There is a large population of unhappy people out there who go down a spiral of terrible pain , followed by more survey followed by more pain

Back Pain: Glad to hear you saw your doc and a chiro doc. Please continue to consult w/them but consider other modalities. Your pain is real and from a physical situation but goes through your brain. Consider biofeedback, clinical hypnosis (www.asch.net) and search John Sarno, MD, for body-mind approach. Peace and good health.