I feel your pain. I've have had two back surgeries. L3-S1. Then cervical c5/6 6/7. Iam have the same problem ur having except opposite side. I have injections for the problem. My back hurts across lower back and down right leg. The first injection I had helped. I'am having another one done this tuesday. My doctor also said it was nerve damage. Iam 56 and my problems started at 24 but nothing done till 38.. They inject somewhere at c7 for the nerve damage. The problem with all the steroid injection is the damage to your skin and hair. Your skin becomes thin {Like old people skin}. I started injections at 38 and still having them 3-4 times a year. Not all of them for back mostly for neck and other part. I have severe osteo artritis. Exercise will help I know it hurts but if u build the muscles up it helps. Try the pool for exercise. Less stress on your body...