Back surgery is the Devil's work. They tell you (as they pre-sedate you, and ask you to sign the consent form) that it might be fatal, paralysis, even worse chronic pain, blood clots, etc., but if you took that seriously nobody would ever go through it.
I'm lucky - I collapsed a few discs, some compression problems, some arthritis and some curvature but (don't laugh) my chiropractor was very helpful.
You have to remember that a person who can help you may be a complete loony WRT other issues, even other health issues (no, spinal adjustment doesn't cure mental illness or cancer), just be happy that you got anything out of it.