If I was Kulikov -- I would not have an operation on my back, providing that resting it would bring it back to normal when the swelling goes down, or the back re-alligns on it's own. If it does not self-heal -only then would I consider an operation.
A lot of these back operations make things worse, and then your screwed. Look at Tiger Woods--3 or 4 back operations and still in great pain, and couldn't get out of bed. He finally had a disc "fused" and it seems to be working, and he says he's pain free. Bear in mind he won't have 230 lb guys ramming him into the boards. Tiger is on the "comeback" trail now.