Hi,

I'm a newly qualified physio so can't really offer you any advice except to think carefully before deciding whether to go for surgery or not, in some instances back surgery can indeed make the problem worse....generally speaking spinal surgery is thought of as a last resort option and given your young age, and wishes to be in the armed forces, I would really hesitate to go for surgery. I'm really sorry I can't be more helpful....there are plenty of experienced physio's on the site who will no doubt offer you some more helpful advice

The other thing you could try is if you contact the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Orthopaedic Medicine: ACPOM, The Association for Chartered Physiotherapists with an interest in Orthopaedic Medicine and Injection Therapy

they have a list of specialist physio's that work in that area...might be worth finding one near you that can have a look at your back and give you some advice