Thank you so much for your very informative and helpful reply. Its nice to get some constructive advice and reassurance asI seem to have had this condition for what seems like an age!

I am actually seeing a (NHS) consultant on 3rd August, not 10th as previously stated, so not too long to wait. I intend requesting a referral to a good physiotherarpist for the very reasons you state: manipulation, advice on strengthening back muscles, physical activity, etc. If that isn't possible for whatever reason I will self-fund as I definitely think a physio is the way to go - I wouldn't feel too comfortable seeing a chiropractor, for example.

Thankfully I haven't yet lost any feeling in the leg and hope to avoid any medical intervention, be it surgery or any form of injection as have read they don't necessarily improve things and can make matters worse.

With the pain under control I am managing to carry on pretty much as normal (just have to be careful lifting and bending) and know that the worse thing is to do nothing, especially sitting down or bed rest. Increasing active exercise does make sense and I guess, pending seeing a consultant, there is no harm in at least starting some regularly walking, starting with short distances and building up - I shall see how that goes.

I used to do a lot of high impact aerobic/step exercise in my "younger" days - This type of exercise is certainly out of the question at the moment but what about pilates, yoga or swimming?

Thank you again and I shall report back with, hopefully, some progress.