Some folks have the pain resolve on its own over time. Some resolve with PT. Some with home exercises or going to the gym. There are lots of articles out there about exercises, stretches and such to help.
Sometimes injections help. Surgery is definitely what you do when you have exhausted all conservative therapy and cannot live with the pain any longer.
If you go with surgery, find out everything you can about the doctor who is going to do the procedure. You probably wouldn't take your hemi Superbird to Jiffy Lube. Your spine needs an expert as well - -and the skill levels of doctors vary wildly. Many people have great outcomes. And some were better off before they had surgery.