I used to work with people who had sustained work-related injuries... many of them low back injuries. Many of them had had back surgery. It seldom went well. This was probably 15 years ago. So perhaps things have changed. But personally I'd be really leery of back surgery. (I have a ruptured disk & sciatica. So I know what it's about.) I recall attending a lecture on back surgeries presented by an orthopedic surgeon at a workers compensation conference. He said that after 5 years (from the date of injury) patients end up in the same place whether they've had surgery or not. So the question is can a person manage with the level of pain they have because, after 5 years (from the date of injury) they'll end up the same whether they've had back surgery or not.
Hopefully what you have done is to do what is necessary to build up the muscles around the affected area. Personally, I've found walking to be the best therapy. But working with a physical therapist to strengthen those muscles may also be beneficial. (By the way, hopefully you don't smoke. Smoking decreases the likelihood of a successful outcome when it comes to back surgery.)