2 Years Disc Bulge

I've been experiencing hip and back pain via disc bulge from L4-L5. It's very intermittent, and I'm looking for some advice around weightlifting!

The things that exacerbate it include various lower body weightlifting exercises: squats (front or back-loaded, sumo, goblet, etc), sometimes deadlifts, and occasionally lunges (sometimes these actually help). It also can flare up after a bike ride, and if I sit for too long. Also - I am currently trying to quit alcohol and cigarettes, and I think those 2 things actually exacerbate it way more than I initially thought.

The things I've done to remedy include PT, upper body lifting (weird?) copious amounts of stretching (focusing on my iliopsoas, hamstrings, and various upper/lower back twists), and RUNNING.

I was training for a 10 mile run, and somehow it was the strongest my legs/hip/back have felt in a long time. Very little (if any) pain. Also, getting a standing desk has helped greatly.

My question is: Is it time to give up lower body weightlifting? I'm really not too attached to it. But I'm curious if anyone has had a similar experience, or if anyone recommends trying a different type of weight exercise, or any other tips to strengthen my lower body/hips/back.

Thanks in advance!!