I too had a sudden onset of symptoms related to issues in the area of L5-S1 and compression of my left sciatic nerve. Within 4 weeks I went from relatively mobile to unable to stand for 1 minute or walk more than 20-30 feet.

X-rays showed stenosis and disk compression but nothing unusual for a 70 year old woman. Turns out I also have mild scoliosis. None of that explained my symptoms. Next came the MRI. I was expecting them to tell me I had a herniated or bulging disc. Turns out I had a synovial cyst that had suddenly became symptomatic. I met with a neurosurgeon and was informed that these cysts don’t resolve with physical therapy and that the sooner I had surgery the less likely I’d have long term damage. The surgery was scheduled 4 weeks after meeting with the surgeon.

It has now been 2 months since surgery. Recovery has been slow but I am improving. I still have intermittent pain along the sciatic nerve and some mild low back pain but I’ve started PT and am hopeful I can resume some of my favorite activities like hiking this summer.