T.J.
I had a herniated disc from an accident which got better over time with chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, craniosacral therapy, and lidocaine/marcaine (NOT cortisone) injections. I think you should try these and the epidural first. It took almost three years but now I rarely experience problems, which usually take one adjustment, one massage, or one acupuncture visit to help. I also work for a few chiropractors and massage therapists and have seen many people with herniated discs get better, only two that still needed surgery after.