I saw a back surgeon yesterday
He said my back looks terrible but not terrible enough for real surgery
Pretty much screwed and might as will get on narcotics soon
First, see another doctor.But remember this guy just turned down $75k in insurance money.
If you're overweight, lose weight.
If you play golf, stop.
Get an inversion table
Practice yoga or some such stretching discipline.
Avoid narcotics. First, with few exceptions dosage and prescription length are limited. You can become dependent and they'll cut you off. Second, THAT SH*T WILL EFF YOU UP.
You should consider pot in its many delivery methods.
It is effective
Topical application is particularly effective for short term relief
You don't have to smoke or vape.
You can take it in pills, sublingually, and in food.
It doesn't work for everyone but it's a path I'd choose before addiction.
Oh, and avoid carbs. Sugars are an irritant to arthritic joints.