Having had experience from nerve pinches/slipped disc, it's hell. And yes, the most intense pain was down my left thigh, instead of back. But the pain itself is... it's something else. It's not dull, it's not momentary, it's not burning. It's pure pain. Think about that for a second. When the pain is inflicted directly onto your nerves. That's what it does.
I made it without surgery thanks to a very competitive chiropractic. Just felt a crack on my neck later same evening after I visited one, and it was better since. Still not 100% and have to be careful with it, but it's so much better. Can live a normal daily life, and that's what's important.
Worst part is crouching down, which I try to avoid at all costs. Learned to squat when picking up anything.
I don't know what Zach is currently going through, but I imagine he was trying to practice and skate the best that he can. But if it's anything like I experienced... he has the heart of a warrior and the mind of a simpleton.
Best of luck to him going forward. Hopefully, the surgery helps things and the recovery is swift. Just don't hurry back. Take your time. This time, for reals. We need you, but we need you healthy. And we are not more important than a healthy life, even if it means you won't lace them up again this season. Or ever.