At what degree would you consider surgery

[rich1752]

I am 38 years old and was just diagnosed with scoliosis last month. I have had back pain for a while now, but has gotten real bad the last five years. I have gone to doctors but they just kept giving me over the counter drugs and sent me on my way. I finally changed doctors and the new doctor had xrays done, where they uncovered a 48 degree curve between L1 and L5. I work in law enforcement, so I just contributed the back pain to my gun belt and sitting in car for ten hour shifts. Pain finally became unbearable, to where i changed doctors. I have tried everything in the past, chiropractors, physical therapy and shots. I've slept on a heating pad for the last five years, thinking it was just my muscles. When would you consider surgery. I don't want to go for a long time with this pain and would rather get some relief while I am young..thanks..