My two ruptures are at L4/L5 and L5/S1 and, like you, the epidural really didn't do a thing. After the fact, the doctor said that it helps 60-70% of the time and of those, one-third report reduced effectiveness after 1 week. It has taken me months of PT and daily exercise, with the emphasis on workouts at the gym, to strengthen the support muscles, etc., to the point that I can work. Good luck, PM me if required.