Hmmm, I think yours sounds worse than mine as I don't get the numbness and the pain is only severe if i force a particular movement.
I'm not keen on an operation either and hoping (although it's been 3 years) it will recover on it's own. Stick with the exercises, hopefully you'll be sorted soon enough.
You heard that saying...pain in the ass...Well, mine is arm. Lol.
I hope we both get better quickly and can get back to our usual awesome selves. soon.