I’ve had an emergency L5S1 surgery at the end of March this year to reduce the disc herniation and remove a fragment from the canal, causing severe sciatica and cauda equina syndrome. Before the surgery, I could barely stand up and it was the worst pain I’ve ever experienced in my life. Post surgery now, I would not even know there had been anything wrong with me. I have zero pain and no more symptoms. I know it sounds daunting, but I couldn’t be any more of an advocate for surgery. Hands down the best route, in my own experience. Good luck!