Sorry that you are having such a predicament about treatment. Obviously without more details etc..it is hard to advise. However has anyone within the Armed forces spoken about a course of rehabilitation / eduction. Within the MOD there are Regional facilities (such as those at Headley Court) that are set up to educate, help you manage / rehabilitate from various musculoskeletal injuries. There are generally specific back groups within a region, with physiotherapists on hand on a daily basis, they are not all able to accomodate all types of problems, but I would suggest, if you have not already, that you speak to your medical officer about your suitability to attend one of these courses. Even if you decide on surgery, it would probably be useful preoperatively...if you are not too acute or too easily aggrevated.

Good luck.