I am sorta in the same predicament. I've had back issues for over 15 years. Pinched nerve I'm neck and back. My thighs get numb if I stand too long in one place. I asked my pain management doctor at what point do we do something? I don't want to wake up one morning and not be able to move. I believe they can do back surgery the way they did my hysterectomy. I was ready to go after a week when I had that. I take hydrocodone and now take extended release morphine for my bone pain from cancer treatments but even that does nothing for my back. You can't postpone some type of relief forever because once the nerve damage reaches a certain point, it's too late. I'm 67 and might end up in a wheelchair because of neuropathy from chemo but I don't want it to be from something that could have been prevented in the first place. They don't have to flay me open like a fish. Do the MRI and see what nerve is being pinched or cut off then make a 3 inch or less incision and do your thing. Sounds simple enough. It would be GREAT if it was that easy. It's frustrating though. Wish you success with your issues. ❤️