Is Surgery Needed For Adolescent Disc Herniation With Chipped Bone Floating?

Hi there, my 12 year old daughter has adolescent disc herniation, discovered just recently, she also has a chipped bone floating, Dr has suggested perhaps surgery would be the way to go. She is a dancer approx 8hrs week and very sporty also. At the moment she is not allowed to participate in any of these activities, and has been told if she does not have the operation it will take at least 18 months for her to recover on her own, hence my dilema?? Surgery or Self heal?? Also she is currently taking pheldine tablets, mercindole and panadine extra every day.