Been there. Unfortunately once a disc is damaged and starts bulging, it never really can get better. It's odd they discouraged a fusion or disc replacement, obviously I don't know the specifics of your situation, but it was a immediate off-switch to all the pain for me. Did the full gamut of other things including several specious medication recommendations that had me switch doctors several times they were so awful. Steroid injections were a minor relief but not much.

Sadly my US insurance at the time was a right bunch of horrible cunts and refused to cover a disc replacement, only a fusion, but after years of suffering I felt 10 years younger once I was back on my feet hobbling around for rehab.