I have to call the neurosurgeon's office today for an appointment. From what I've read online (taken with a grain of salt) nowadays surgery isn't always the first choice. They can do a lot with drug and physical therapy which is the route I intend to try first. As my father mentioned above, my sister had a similar situation several years ago and has been unable to work and in almost constant pain (and heavily medicated) ever since. I've spoken to many people who have had back surgery and most of them are never quite the same afterward. Thanks for the hints, everyone. The strange part for me is, this time my back feels fine, all the symptoms are in my right thigh (the herniation is at the L5-S1 level) but I have been putting an ice pack under my leg and it does feel better while it's there.