I had L5 S-1 rupture & disc repair. But 2 weeks b4 I went back to work, I ben't over to pick up a 1"x6"x 2' pine shelf & re-ruptured same disc. I had the dam thing removed. that was 12 years ago. I'm still 85-90% of where I was prior. With no pain, unless I try to shovel or swing a bat. So I bought a backhoe for digging & stopped playing soft ball. In the end I'm glad I had it removed, even if I am 1/2" shorter
Good luck m8!