Surgery is not possible for my back, I injured it at work. I did the rare trick of damaging a disc in my thoracic spine which resulted in it being misdiagnosed by the original physiotherapist that I saw but to be fair she was only just out of college Unfortunately by the time I got a MRI and saw an ' adult ' I had extra bone growth on my spine but because of where it is surgery is a last resort. I also have bulging discs in my lower spine that at times cause my leg to go numb and all of this happened in my mid twenties so I can understand your situation. I completely agree with Vonmoxie get 2nd, 3rd and 4th opinions but I would also suggest seeing a therapist to help you with the stress and anxiety.
Good luck