Back problems can be excruciating. In my case, they started when I was in high school more than sixty years ago. The pain has mostly present all of that time but varies in extent from noticeable to paralyzing. In recent years, it has mostly been in the annoying range and is controllable with three ibuprofen tablets when I start day. They reduce the inflammation that causes pressure in the sciatic nerve. I have to limit my lifting and if I don't, my back tells me. In that case, I'll take three more ibuprofen at night,
I lead a fairly normal life nowadays. In my case, I have scoliosis caused in part by by my left leg being slightly shorter which has caused disks in my lower back to be thinned on one side and the sciatic nerve pinched . I have to limit my lifting and have problems standing for more than an hour but the situation is manageable.
Surgery shoulf be a last resort. Chiropracty has helped in cases where I have done something stupid and brought on a acute attack but I don't make it a regular practice. My thought is that I popped something out of alignment and once it is back in place, there isn't a need to continue. Physical therapy did nothing for me.
I wish you the best of luck. Don't give up. The situation can improve and will given time.