Moderate sized broad based right para central profusion on l5-s1. dr says surgery is only option but that won't take away all the pain. other options?

Second opinion?: The L5-S1 disc is very susceptible to protrusion since it gets more load than most other lumbar discs. Surgery is a big decision, so getting a second opinion from a neurosurgeon or neurologist might be considered. Conservative approaches like exercise, PT, and analgesics may provide temporary relief. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herniateddisk.html

Protrusion of disk: Seems like the vertebral disk is out of place because the outer fibers (that hold it in) have ruptured. Often this is due to dehydration of the disks, so often water and fluid intake is recommended, along with resting your back. Chondroitin and Glucosamine have anecdotal evidence of helping. I would postpone surgery - 95% lead to worse or no better pain in 5 yrs. Physical therapy & TENS could help

Consider this:: 1. Does the disc compress a nerve root, and if so, are signs of weakness, numbness, and muscular atrophy occurring? 2. Is bladder/bowel function OK? If so, could wait it out as over 9-10 months, many of these discs desiccate and shrink. Conservative physical therapy could work in meantime. Do NOT get inactive, as that will make all worse.