herniated discs

[dooy]

Looking for a Dr's expert conclusion thanks.  I am 49, 5'11" tall, 80kg, was physically fit, healthy and active.
Did a lot of lifting in my job, over nine year time span.
Can you tell from my MRI scan if issues were caused by age or trauma?
Lumber lordotic curvature preserved. Lumber vertabrae show mild spondylosis but are normal in height and narrow signals. Minimal retrolisthesis of L5 over S1.
Broadbased right posterolateral disc herniation with annular tear at L5  - S1is indenting is indenting the thecal sac and impinging bilateral traversing S1 nerve roots. The disc is encroaching the neural foramina but not causing compression of exciting nerve roots.
Posterior disc bulge at L3-4 L4-5 indenting thecal sac and abutting bilateral traversing L5 nerve roots in lateral recess.
Lower cord, conus medullaris and causa equina are normal. No pre or paravertabral abnormalities.
Having a couple of lumber steroid injections soon to see how much relief I can get. Concerned about surgery. Been told 20% chance could come out of surgery in worse pain. Is this problem likely to get worse with age? If surgery option not taken? Thanks Dooy.

[Jinx_777]

not only did they hurt, they were absolutely worthless.  no pain relief whatsoever and ended up with more pain at injection site.  not to mention there was a recall of the shot right after i got it.  there are studies that suggest it actually weakens the bones.  i would never have one again

[dooy]

Thanks and that's ok. Having the injections into two vertebrae to find out how much pain relief I can expect from surgery really. Surgeon said could last a day , could last a lot longer. May not give any relief at all! Worried that surgery will make it worse! Had problems 1 1/2 years. 25 years is a long time. So your telling me it hurts then??

[Jinx_777]

sorry, did not read your comment 'looking for a doctor's opinion'.  i am NOT a  doctor, just someone who has been dealing with back pain for over 25 yrs

[Jinx_777]

do your research on steroid injections before getting them.  
FOR ME-- total waste of time and was not worth enduring the pain of a shot.