Looking for some insight...... I started having major back pain 18 months ago. Went for an mri and I have a large focal disc extrusion at L5/S1 impeding on left S1 nerve root. I started doing regular physio and all the recommended exercises for my injury hoping to get back in the water as soon as possible. I stayed out of the water for a couple months went back and it flared up. Took another 4 months off and kept doing lots of physio staying active and working on my core. slowly started surfing again and feeling good. I had a few light flare ups over approx. 8 months. I would just ice and take a week off and be good to. Unfortunately 2 weeks ago I had a major flare up surfing with the same symptoms as 18 months ago and now im back to square one...Physio says I need to take extended to time off to let the disc scar up some more?? and he never mentions surgery? I have hard time understanding why I can surf for multiple days/months and than half way through a mellow session bam!! a little jolt of pain and im back layed out on the floor for a week? I know surgery is last option but when does one decide its time? Sorry for the book haha....just looking for some thoughts