Yep, been there 10 years ago myself. Ruptured a couple of discs and several other herniated. So bad I spent 4 days in the hospital unable to move from the pain. Did physical therapy, learned my body better, don't do anything stupid anymore and 10 years later I do fine and still no surgery. If it flares up I use ice on the back, sleep with pillows under my knees, etc. Sometimes the pain manifests itself in extreme pain inside my right hip joint but it's caused by the back. Nowdays, I can be in extreme pain one day but with proper care I'm back to normal the next. I bike thousands of miles a year and hike all day long in the mountains during the summer. I'd hold off on the surgery too if at all possible.