A disc herniation compressing the L5 root will cause EHL weakness (extensor of the great toe). This is a normal finding with L5 pathology and may or may not improve over time after the disc herniation is removed. Unless you are a martial artist, football player or rock climber, this deficit will not affect your life.
You will not become fully paralyzed or impotent from an L5 disc herniation unless it fills up the entire canal and that is exceeding rare. Surgery will not affect your married life.
Lumbosacral belts can be useful for heavy lifting. This increases the core pressure to reduce the stress on the lumbar spine when lifting. Continuous use however weakens the abdominal muscles as you tend to push your belly out against it instead of contracting the abdominal muscles.
Dr. Corenman
Donald Corenman, MD, DC is a highly-regarded spine surgeon, considered an expert in the area of neck and back pain. Trained as both a Medical Doctor and Doctor of Chiropractic, Dr. Corenman earned academic appointments as Clinical Assistant Professor and Assistant Professor of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, and his research on spine surgery and rehabilitation has resulted in the publication of multiple peer-reviewed articles and two books.