that's bad luck mate, ive had bad back since the 80s , ive had 3 slipped discs in that time. its left with Arthritis of the lower back, get sciatica quite a lot. they never gave me any op ,just change job but in my case finished work at 50 .Its better than it was but its weak have to be careful what I do lifting or twisting with any weight .a op could cure you, but its always a risk with any op, I know some people had op and been ok, but I know 2 people had op and not much better since they been done .Its hard a one are you in a lot of pain all the while ( every day) if bad pain maybe go