Strengthening the back muscles and core muscles has worked for me, absolutely. I’ve always been told strengthening the muscles around the spine, upper lower, other core muscles, etc., helps the spine by taking off some of the load. Since i have compressed nerves, my last epidural from UCSF worked for me, I’m pain free but do continue the back/core exercises three times a week (I should be doing them five days, but ….)

You don’t say what your pain is from. I have scoliosis and compressed nerves from stenosis. If your PT is not helping, I’d move on. There are a handful of basic low back exercises you can find on youtube, of course, but working with someone to make sure you do them correctly would be very helpful. Good luck! Hope you can find someone who listens.