Some background...
I'm 24. If my childhood doctor didn't suck @$# (I work in healthcare now and recently learned he's been found guilty of negligent practice on multiple accounts) I figure I might've been able to do bracing when I was younger. As it happened though, I was found out when I was maybe 10 and despite frequent complaints of increased pain he failed to see it progress.  Idiopathic.
I learned a few years ago it's grown from 13°T 5°L to roughly 38°T 25°L.
The pain has gradually gotten worse. Sometimes I call out of work. I feel like an old man. I can't do anything physical without thinking about how long/bad I'm going to feel it in my back. I'm redirecting my career path from semiphysical positions because  I worry about being a 30yo cripple.
After learning about the progression I've had an MRI and multiple xray follow ups. I know simply time of day, physical activity, and image interpretation can all affect the exact number read out. But the numbers seem to be getting worse. Heavy lifting required at my temporary posiiton certainly isn't helping.

The spinal specialist (UMass Memorial) who consulted regarding my MRI made the determination that I'm not a candidate for surgery and bracing is ineffective at my age. He sent me to PT. I got charged a shit ton for a few half hour appointments before they evalled me for release: despite no improvement.
UMass is a large and well reputed hospital in central Massachusetts. However I know for 25 more miles in the other direction, I could try some of the world's best hospitals in Boston. 

Should I try to see another specialist?
       I wasn't particularly happy or trusting with the opinion I received. Reminded me of my doctor from when I was a kid. Walked in, barely spoke, walks out. No time to process information or discuss, on with the next patient. My ex's sister had a corrective surgery. She seemed certain that if I pushed my specialist or saw another, I could have surgery. Bringing me to the next question.

Should I try for surgical intervention?
     I've both seen and heard of many people with poor surgical outcomes. Whatever state they went into it as, they didn't walk out better. I don't want to be a 24yo cripple or even less abled than I already am. And I especially don't want cripple myself to end up broke / buried in debt. My ex's sister got it when she was younger, but she says the pins and such do hurt, only now she can't bend or carry as much weight.

Because surgery is so permanent, I would rather try to find relief through others options first.

Has anyone heard of adult bracing of any kind being effective?
     If i have to wear a hard brace for an insane amount of time I'd like it to be relatively permanent. If I have to wear an extermely restricting brace for the rest of my life, I don't know - doesn't seem worth it unless I'm headed for a steep decline.
Soft braces? Anyone had success?

PT: what exercises do you do to relieve / minimize pain and correct posture?
     Given this is the only one I can really control myself, I guess its the most immediately applicable. But I've yet to find the exercises I learned at PT / by myself really effective. Everytime I stretch, I end up finding a new pain within a few hours. Am I not stretching right?

I'm struggling. Feels like my brakes went out, I just blew through the road block, and I'm headed for the edge of that unfinished cartoon bridge.