How Can Massive Disc Herniation Be Surgically Treated?

I used to fly on extensive overseas flights averaging about 125K miles per year over a period of 5 years. I stopped flying due to server lower back pain (sciatica). I had an MRI and X-Ray in early 2009 that showed a massive herniated disk and bulging disk at L4-5 compressing the left nerve root and degenerative disk disease at L5-S1. I stopped flying. After two years I had another X-Ray and MRI performed. It showed the massive herniated disk but the bulging disk area appeared to have somewhat healed itself. I am looking into nerve damage testing and future surgery options. I continue to take Percocet for constant back pain for the last two years. Could the extensive travel have contributed to the condition, and what surgery options should I pursue?