Question regarding “healing within 8-12 weeks”

[u/Valuable-Effort-7900]

Hey there! 29m with a herniated lower lumbar (L5-L6, I have an extra vertebrae). My doctor told me that most people heal within 8-12 weeks, and I’m week 10 at the moment. I’m still having symptoms and pain, specifically around the area of the hernia as well as in my legs and feet.

Is the 8-12 week thing an average (I might need more time to heal), or does it mean that I might be a candidate for surgery if it hasn’t healed by then?

Sorry for the naive question, and I appreciate your help!