Your L5 S1 situation is very similar to mine. I avoided surgery by taking four months to heal. During that time I did a bunch of PT, myofascial release therapy, and most of all...rest. I was 40 at the time.

Even though I have had cervical surgery I am still surgery free at the lumbar. At 55 I have to be very careful how I move but I'm am very glad I never had low back surgery!
jb