yeeko, I like both the injections and traction machine at the chiropractor. Chiropractic adjustments can also help. The injection numb the nerve that carries pain signals to the brain--the medial branch nerve. It is a quick simple procedure. If it works they can use radiofrequency to sever that little nerve.
The concern for me is the tightness in the leg because it may be a different nerve than the medial branch. The decompression nerve machine is traction. Sometimes the protrusion of the disc can retract if given enough space. I've never seen it happen, but discs can heal themselves, given the chance.
A low back adjustment from a chiropractor can give your restore balance to the spine and could also relieve the tightness and the pain. Chiropractors really give the best physical exams for spinal movement. I see them about once a week. And you won't have to wait three months to get in. You could probably get in tomorrow.
Many offices don't have the traction machine, but they do manual traction.
I know exactly how you feel about the importance of maintaining independence.
I'm curious what you think about chiropractors. Some are better than others, but I never met one that I didn't like.