Id try every non-invasive method first. Have u tried chiropractic care, acupuncture, foot zoning, etc???
i had nerve blocks for back and leg pain they worked for me about 6 weeks at a time then wore off i had one surgery with relief of leg and back pain
I never had injections for my leg and back pain. Mine was so bad; I had to have surgery right away, so it was never really an option for me. But you're right, most people I know that have had them, have gone on to have surgery, but a few people did say they helped for a while.
I think its worth having one, it might lessen your pain and allow you to increase your activity level. Increasing your activity might decrease the pressure on the nerve and protrusions do reabsorb over time. Back surgery is such a major procedure and also a gamble, so any thing you can do to avoid it is definitely worth a shot.
The fact that you’re a diabetic is another concern, have you spoken to your Endocrinologist about it, it might ease your mind a little?
Take Care