2555anny: I have osteoporosis as well. (And diagnosed with celiac disease in 2009 which explains why I was diagnosed with osteopenia way back in my late 30s-told at that time to just load up on calcium tablets and vit.d)
All these drug options weren't available at that time. I also struggle with on-going back pain and sciatica. I see a physiatrist, a doctor who treats pain involving the joints, muscles, nerves, bones, etc. A physiatrist offers non-surgical interventions. I had severe sciatic pain down my right leg caused by a compressed nerve and the physiatrist, under ultrasound guided imagery, injected steroids in the lumbar locations he suspected my pain was initiated from based on my symptoms and an MRI report. Whether a doctor recommends surgery or not I would try a non-surgical route first to see if you can get any relief that way.