Hello everyone! I'm at my wit's end and thought I'd seek some input. I am 39 and have had severe low back pain since age 24. It started spontaneously (no fall or accident). It's severe and constant. On a scale of 1-10, it's never lower than a 6. I've tried everything from opioid pain relievers, anti-infalmmatory meds, physical therapy, chiropractic, massage, facet join injections, SI join injections, patches, gin-soaked raisins, you name it- nothing helps. Basically I have degenerative arthritis- seems to be genetic made worse by joint hypermobility. MRI also showed facet hypertrophy, some disc bulging and stenosis.
I really try not to complain or dwell too much on it but it's getting worse. Sitting or standing too long worsens the pain. I go back to my doctor (physiatrist) this week. He said I will eventually need surgery but that I should put it off as long as I can. I'm wondering if I should go ahead and consider that now. I've read there are minimally invasive back surgeries available now. Advice?