Don’t rush into surgery, because it is no panacea and there is the potential for complications. I herniated a disc about 4 years ago and was immobile for about a month. Reduced activity for a year, but with the right physical therapist, I am back to 95% with little to no pain. Before I couldn’t walk stairs and could barely go 15 feet with crutches, the pain was so excruciating. What I learned was that I would never again do what I did which caused the injury (carrying 300 lbs of wet dirt in a wheel barrow down a very steep incline and then walking it about 300 yards down another incline to dump it. I learned my lesson and with that kind of pain (morphine in the ER did NOTHING).

All injuries are not alike but good therapy and knowledge about what hurts you might serve you well. You can and probably should seek medical attention but keep in mind not every surgeon will turn away potential profit unless they are highly ethical. I would find friends in your area that have had back injuries for recommendations of an ethical and principled surgeon. I’m sure glad i did.