"A laminectomy is about $50,000."
That seems a bit steep. I had a four level lumbar spinal fusion done with two rods and eight screws three years ago, and it ran just over 75 grand. (where they removed bone fom hip for graft has given the most pain)
Had two laminectomies done about five years apart back in the 80's. They helped for a few years, then things deteriorated to the fusion thingy.
How are you feeling now?