Herniated disc and Sciatic pain?

i am very active and still in my teen years. I hearniated my disc (L4 L5) and have sciatic pain in my left leg and numbness in my foot and knee. The worst part of all is that i am unable to stand up straight and when i am standing i cant lift my head. the tear is 7mm by 17mm. About 3 months ago after a hockey game i noticed what felt like a pulled muscle, so i just ignored it but over the next month, it got worse and worse. For 4 weeks now i have been going to physio therapy where we have been useing laser treatment, electrio therapy, and traction and so far it is the same pain wise but i am able to stand up slightly straight but i still cant raise my head and i still have the numbness . my docter mentioned surgery and i am a little sceptical about that because i am only 18 years old. i would like to know how long people are out for with this injury?