I am no doctor so do not quote me. I have damage in L4-L5-si1. It is very painful-depending on where the nuclei is. Your son might experience stabbing or pinching pain in his lumbar as well as weakness/numbness/pins and needles from back-legs/feet. His age is a major factor though. I am 23 and my ortho and neurosurgeon don't think surgery is the best option, because I am too young. I have also gone through conservative treatment (physical therapy, chiropractor, tens unit, 2 pain specialist and had a total of 8 shots, and pain medication). I do not know if they would consider surgery for him because of his age. If he was in his 30's or 40's, they probably would go ahead. They might consider PDD procedure and/or biacuplasty (after the shots that did not work-depends on the person). Maybe the IDET, I don't know, but his age does hinder him(makes doctors nervous).