I'm 57, had three back surgeries, last in '92, and I'm doing great. Will take a book to tell you all. No one can tell you what the path to take except a top notch surgeon. Stay away from orthopedics....they are bone butchers.....GET the best neurosurgeon you can find. A tennis buddy of mine had an ortho mess up w/3 surgeries in 12 months for simple ruptured disc and now he's in a wheelchair for life.
Been through every type of therapy you can think of. First herniated disc in '80 a chiropractor (quack to me then but no more) helped me to health....right side.
2nd herniation in '88, different disc, left side, no chiropractor could fix it, nor osteopath. Laminectomy (open back surgery) fixed it. Was back running - albeit slowly after 6 weeks. Back to 3 mile runs in two months.
Pain came back 4 years later. One of the only docs in the nation doing the arthroscopic bit tried, but couldn't do anything. Had to have 2nd open back surgery in '92. Was scar tissue from surgery #1 on one side of the nerve, and calcified bone growth pressing on the other. This can happen. Many reoccurences of scar tissue causing problems in the future. FOLLOW DOCS ORDERS TO A 'T'. Every case is different, that's why there is no set path, and you need the best neuro you can find. Get referrals. I've seen the cortizone work for some...all depends...too many variables. Sometimes even an MRI and Myleogram can't tell them exactly what the cause and severity is (friend is radiologist)
I'm fine now, lift weights 3x/week, run or Nordic Track 3x/week. Get in shape. Most back problems are a result of being out of shape, even tho I was running when my first injury happened, I had slacked off a lot and wasn't in top shape.
God bless, may the Lord lead you and heal your back - one way or another.
My doctor also recommended swimming in a lap pool. Low stress on muscles, yet targets the right ones...just choose the lane next to edge in case you get a cramp, or use a snorkle & mask.