I would recommend that you see a spine specialist for an evaluation. Pain injections including epidural and facet blocks could help reduce your pain levels. Subsequently you could start a rigorous spine therapy program that should include aquaphysio or aquatherapy.
Dr Prem Pillay
Director of Neuro and Spine Services
Neuro Spine and Pain Center
Singapore
www.spine-neuro.org
http://neurospine.blogspot.com
1,long term affect is depending on your condition's develop and treatment's results
2,Without surgery,you still can get pain relief by effective treatment,but MRI will be same
3,New research: Yoga or pilates seem no help for your condition,walking is better exercise.
Good luck!