Dear Doctor, I have had lower-back pain for 20 days, with pain radiating to my buttock and knee. I recently had an MRI and was told by a spine surgeon that urgent surgery is needed, with about a 10% risk of foot drop. Could you please review my MRI and let me know: 1. If surgery is truly necessary at this stage, or if conservative treatment may allow it to heal on its own. 2. Whether delaying surgery could cause permanent nerve damage. Thank you for your guidance.