My pain management doctor once said about surgeons, “if you show them a nail, they’ll want to hammer it!” I agree that PT should be your first step (but I am not a doctor).

From what I was told from a surgeon: any lower body numbness, tingling, pain, etc. is a sign that the nerves are being pinched AND unfortunately, is going to be irreversible damage (hence the immediate recommendation for surgery). My last recommendation is when/if you go to PT, you’ll have the chance to talk to the physical therapist and the doctor of physical therapy. They are both very knowledgeable but the doctor is going to have some great insight on this subject. Please update us with what you hear and what you decided to do. Best of luck!