DH had this done years ago. He was only 28, but due to his work at the time, was often carrying things on one shoulder. I don't know if that was the cause or just a contributing factor.
His NHS Dr at the time recommended swimming, strengthening exercises etc etc- which he did religiously. He had sciatica and was in agony for over a year. We lived in a 1st floor flat and he struggled to get up/down the stairs. We were looking into going private, when his workplace bought it in. He finally had an MRI and surgery within days! The pain relief was instant when he woke up! From memory he was at The London Clinic for the surgery.
He is one of the few people to have back surgery that was successful! He is 52 now and until recently, he's had no back pain or issues at all. The surgery hasn't limited him at all- we ski, walk a great deal, travel and try to keep active. He no longer pays golf because he found the swinging aspect would give him a back twinge but otherwise, he has been fine.
He did start getting occasional sciatica again, but not as bad. He has seen a podiatrist who thinks its related to fallen arches, which caused 1 hip to be slightly out of alignment. He recently got orthotics, which seem to be helping.
Have you been offered surgery OP? What are your main reservations?