Otto, I also feel your pain... going through it as we speak.
Did you get a contrast medium with your MRI ? It would allow minute tears and tissues to show more clearly, where they could possibily go undetected with a normal MRI. I went through this procedure yesterday.
I'm currently under the care of a Physical Therapist and a Kinesiologist/Chiropractor, and I have responded positive to both.
I'm in good health and practice good nutrition. In a snapshot, I don't eat processed foods and I take pharmaceutical grade supplements. I find that being in good shape, internally and physically, expedites the healing process.
I'm sure Maxfit can offer excellent advice... pro bodybuilders are very knowledgeable (usually) about nutrition and physical conditioning.
Cortisone and surgery are absolutely a last resort for me.
Good luck with your recovery.