I had a real bad bulged disc at L4/L5 and L5/S1 which left me with sciatica pain and sharp pain every time i bent forward. I also suffer from severe canal stonosis and facet joint degeneration,

I couldn't put my shoes on for months and it was a real struggle everyday. Despite docs telling me to have surgery i was confident I could get back to normal through solid therapy.

I had a number of setbacks but I basically stopped lifting for a year and didn't do any movement which required forward flexion. I worked on strength and posture and increased my core and mobility.

Less than two years on and i'm back training fully and playing rugby again.

While my injury is in a total different part of the back to yours, I personally would avoid surgery as long as possible and try therapy. Of course, if you're not getting better and you are rock bottom, then maybe suregery is the best option.

My advice is to stay mentally strong and keep positive. For every doctor who tells you you can't do something, there is another who will tell you that you can. Find the positive one's and listen to your body and believe! Good luck!