re: Surgery on L-4 and recovery??

I had L5 discectomy (sp) 15 years ago. Was in agony before surgery and had tried PT, Chiro, etc. Woke up from surgery pain free. My back is better now than it has been since I was in my 20's. I do exercise to keep my weight down and do the back stretches the surgeon suggested I do. Neurosurgeon is the way to go as the pain is a nerve issue.

First of all there are a lot of factors when you talk about surgery on the L4 nerve. It is a laminectomy? laminotomy and discectomy? laminotomy and foraminotomy (where no disc is removed), or fusion at the level? Also, is the procedure done minimally invasively?
Like others have had, exhaust all conservative options before surgery. If you have weakness or the pain becomes terrible, you need to consider surgical options. While there are problems after surgery, most people do pretty well especially since the use of minimally invasive surgery.

As far as Ortho vs Neuro. There are definitely ortho spine guys better than some neurosurgeons but that is the minority. You are talking about a 7 year spine and brain residency vs a general ortho residency for 5 years and then a 1 year spine fellowship. I wouldn't let an ortho spine surgeon touch my back. But the most important thing to do is research your surgeon and ask around. They are many hacks that shouldn't be in practice.