Surgery should be a last resort (not unusual for surgery to NOT solve the original problem and create new ones).
Surgery tends to be most effective where pain radiates down the leg (makes it more obvious "exactly" which nerve root and spine branch is the culprit).
Exhaust all other options first. PT has worked for me reasonably well. Local injections can give temporary relief --but are more useful to help diagnose where the problem is.

My issue (yours will be different):
I had two simultaneous issues that confused diagnosis. Three times I was recommended surgery. All three times would have been wrong. With numerous injections we ultimately discovered the main problem was facet joint based. This made "arched back" type exercises impossible (irritated facets to unbearable pain). We ultimately did facet rhizotomys to fix one issue. After that my disk bulging issues responded nicely to physical therapy and chiropractic. I can now play 36 holes and walk and carry. I can also do 100 mile rides. Not bad for a 63 yr old. (But I also avoid lifting and prolonged sitting because they both cause back pain to return)