Carpentry...Years of heavy lifting and being small boned & framed has taken its toll on my joints, especially low back sciatica nerve pinches down my leg.
You've got to be in worst pain than I and my heart goes out to you.
Been doing some reading from Professor Google on back surgery which could be in my future also, and gotta say doesn't look good so far. Hope they figure something out by the time i'll be needing it. They seem to have knees and hips down pretty good, maybe backs will be next.
Can't say I'd give any good advice on your direction, however very best of luck.