The disk has come out and is putting pressure on the nerve running down you leg.
Have the doc do an MRI and if damaged bad enough get it clipped.
Fusion is the last thing i would have done as long as i could deal with the pain/numbness.
I have had the L-5-3 levels fused and it is as stout as before.
Thing is i waited to long and things had deteriorated to the point that i have a lot of nerve damage.
I would still get it fixed today even with the limits i have.
Good luck and i hope they can get it fixed.
