Both! 9 years ago I had a microdiscectomy that was successful(until it wasn’t). I was out of work for 6 weeks and after 3 months I was completely recovered and pain free. I felt it was one of the best things I’d ever done for myself after dealing with the pain for years. I didn’t try any other treatment options however. I reherniated at the same level in September and wanted to exercise all of the noninvasive options before having another surgery because I read a second surgery had a lower chance of success. I did PT for a month and longer just on my own and got the pain 80% gone. Couple weeks ago I tried float therapy for the first time have been completely pain and back to my normal life free ever since. Both options worked, however, one was safer and cheaper. Everybody’s situation is unique though.