First I would say don't ignore it, and don't take the first diagnostic.
When I was younger I had back problems and just kept going, thinking if you work hard every day that's just part of it.
Fast forward to 2014, I lost the use of my right leg while doing night work on a interstate Hyw, after drinking a cup of coffee, I finally got it back. A few days later and after a MRI I found myself in a surgeon's office discussing all my issues. I found out I had broken my back at sometime and I had two herniated disk above it and that I needed surgery. I asked how long I would be off work and he said I would probably never work again. I didn't agree with that thought and seek further advice. I was 48 at the time and had never heard much good come from a fusion. So I continued on, wearing a high dollar brace, eating pills and getting epidural shots every 3 months.
It all came crashing down this past February, again working nights out on a Hyw and I had no choice this time.
Over the last four years, the surgeon that gave me my shots had told me of a neuro surgeon that he would refer me to if this day ever came.
On April 1st 2019, I went into surgery for five hours, they did a fusion, along with two rods, four bolts and two artificial disk. I was released on April 3rd, quit all pain meds by April 7th and took the boat out on April 12th (didn't catch anything) on May 15th on my 54th birthday, I returned to work on a light duty basis.
Fast forward now, I feel better than I have in 25 years, I can stand for a hour or so on the front of my boat, I went back hunting this year, not wearing any brace, No Pain pills.
God is Good!!! Best decision I ever made.
Look at All your options, don't be to quick into letting doctors telling you all you can't do.
It's amazing the things they can do to help you these days.
