Hello Billy,
WELCOME to this forum and especially to this thread. Happy to have you as a part of this GREAT Spiney Family.
Billy, I am no doctor, however, I'll put money on the table what you have is NOT just a muscle spasm.
Second, you need to get at least another 2nd opinion and preferably a 3rd opinion from a neurologist/spinal surgeon. Talk to those you know who have been to a spine specialist. (Chiros and GPs don't count in my biased opinion). Find out which spine specialist people liked and had faith in and which ones were bad. Trust me, it isn't easy finding a truly "expert" neurologist/spine surgeon. Been there.
And most importantly, don't delay. Having pain in your leg and that tingling/numbness is NOT a small thing. Also, it is something that can be taken care of.
By all means try an epidural injection (containing a corticosteroid such as Kenalog) BEFORE scheduling any surgery.
From all I had read regarding people's experiences with epidural injections I was VERY skeptical when my PM doc suggested I have an epidural injection. Seemed like a waste of time. WELLLLllll, had my first injection by him the end of April. By that evening my wife thought I was walking more upright. In about a week the pain in my upper right leg was gone. In abuot a month the tingling sensation I had in the lower part of my leg was gone. Now it is the 9th of December and the pain and tingling in my leg is still gone.
Okay, I'm also convinced that it takes one VERY skilled doctor to make the injection at EXACTLY the right spot. My PM doc thoroughly reviewed the MRIs and x-rays. Then during the injection he used a fluoroscope to help him guide the needle to exactly the spot it neededd to be. It WORKED!!!
Before that I had had two epidural injections by PAs. The first one helped for about a week or so. The second injection only worked for a week at best.
I'm totally with you regardiang your reluctance to have surgery. Back last summer my spinal surgeon told me that I needed to have two fusions, etc. within 6 months (one foot incision). On the 11th I will meet again wtih him. My PM doc has REALLY helped so that I can function fairly well with only a 0 to 2 pain level. My PM doc and two other spinal surgeons have told me I do NOT need to have surgery at this time. Should be an interesting discussion on the 11th.
Oh yes, I also am concerned like you are that waiting may make things just that much worse. It has taken several months for me to sort things out. Yes, I will take into consideration what my spinal surgeon has recommended, however, I will also take into consideration many other factors.
At this point in time my view is that I want to stay away from the knife, rods and screws as long as I can. I have too much gardening planned for next year. LOL
I wish you the very best. Do stay in touch, and do give us your thoughts from what this spiney family posts. This thread really moves/rocks, so check in every day. LOL
RichT