He got him a book on
yoga. So, maybe you could go to the library and find one with
yoga exercises that has pictures in it, and I suppose it might help.
For me, I find relief from my back pain by laying on the floor with my legs in a chair, I scoot up so my thighs are perpendicular to the ground, and let my arms fall out to the side. This takes all the pressure off the back.
I personally think you should go ahead and get the surgery.