Hi Becca
As an osteopath in UK I would endorse the comments above regarding the ice-pack (Dianavan) and the srtretching exercise (Foolestroupe).
You appear to have hgad very good service so far from your medical consultants, with a very rapid scan and diagnosis. It is unfortunate that one practitioner "put the fear of God into you". It was probably poorly explained, or put over in a rather frightening manner, but the aggravated conditions he mentioned e.g. loss of bladder/bowel control, are "red flag" conditions which would need urgent treatment. They are, however, VERY RARE.
Surgery, either by removal of the herniated portion of the disk or by fenestration (opening of the canal through which the nerve root passes) is usually very successful. My own preference is for a neurosurgeon rather than an orthopeadic surgeon to do the operation as they are usually more gentle.
While recuperating try to ensure that you lift nothing heavier than a bag of sugar (2 kilos).

Colyn.