I have a bad disk that puts pressure on the Sciatic nerve.

I am able to manage it with Physical Therapy and lots of hanging upside down on a slant board.

I started at a slight slant and worked my way up to fully vertical. Imminently after getting off the board I lay down and let my back settle for at least 20 to 30 minutes.
It does wonders.

My doctor said right off the bat surgery is a last ditch situation. He said I had ever heard of anyone's back getting stronger from cutting on it.

You may already have tried this but if you choose surgery choose the least invasive one, You can always go back for more but never put back what has been removed.