My L3 and L4 degenerated together and surgery was recommended.  I went the "woo-woo" route using hypnosis and NLP and regrew them (by reframing: "my disks are regenerating").  It took over three years, but when I got the x-ray from my doctor he was blown away - he thought it was impossible.
 
I've got a nice back book (.pdf) I can send you if you're interested - PM me.

Many thanks People
 
I have an aversion to sharp things so I am going to be very cautious about any cutting where I am not holding the sharp.
 
Will keep you up to date however we are talking about our wonderful health service, bless the workers, (This section was removed for to comply with this forums TOS) upper management.

I have been through similar issues. 
 
I wish you the best!

In the absence of Janet, I have a chainsaw if that's at all helpful...

All the best John.  Take it step by step.  God bless.
 
Rimshot

I've had my share of lumps in my back...you do not need one of them....
 
Hope things go well!!

Thanks again, appears I am also anemic, never rains but pours.
 
Thanks Karen I have my own chain saw
 
Dave, Bit, never said no to narcotics, no belief in the no pain no gain theory, but should I be admitting that here.

In here, it's all pain in the lower gluteal region.....
 
Wishing you the best outcome Wooks!!!

 Best wishes Wookie. Hope it all goes well.
 
 The last time I seriously had an issue with a disk in the L4-L5 region the doc told me that when a spine gets to be older (he was being nice I think)...he told me that the disks get less resilient and the bones tend to grow things called spurs. The name reminded me of the kind cowboys use to giddy up their horses and the associated thoughts weren't good. As it turned out these "spurs" are extra bone growth that can sometimes affect your spinal function.
 
  If the lump is a spur then a repair is pretty straightforward and routine. At least routine for them, not for you I'm sure. Best wishes on the outcome. 
 
 You mentioned when it rains it pours and I remembered your encounter with rain in your house at one point. Hope you got that all cleared up now.

best wishes, John.