i would definitely want an MRI with and without contast material before I made any decision on this. An X-ray only shows bone. An MRI will show the soft tissue as well, i.e. the discs etc. So ask the surgeon or whomever for an MRI with and without contrast material before deciding.
If there is any way to avoid surgery, I would take ANY conservative method before surgery. Surgery is permanent, and it doesn't always solve the problem, and CAN leave you with worse problems than you had before. Also, it does not solve pain. Most of the time you're left with the same pain or worse after surgery. So do your homework, and research before agreeing to surgery.
When you DO have the MRI, get the report and bring it here. We can tell you what it means in laymen's language. LOL
God bless and please take care! Hugs, Lee