My dog has a slipped disc? ='(?

soo just yesterday,suddenly, he couldn't walk and he was in so much pain. We couldn't go to the vet because it was closed. So we took him to the vet today and she said that he has a slipped disc. She's not sure is he needs surgery, but the vet is pretty sure that he will heal with the medication, since he is still wagging his tail and is able to move a little bit. If he needs surgery it will cost $5000 and i'm scared because i don't think we cant afford it =[. I guess my question is, has this happened to anyone's pet before? And did your pet need surgery? I can't stop worrying about it. Thank You.