Just the short story version. I had my first back surgery at age 30 and was told then, I'd need several more in my lifetime. Turns out that is true with mega problems at all 4 levels, Sacrum, Lumbar, Thorasic and Cervical. Affects my legs, arms and hands badly with nerve damage.
So the last few years I've been working medium duty roll backs. Didn't seem all that bad to me as far as making things worse, but I guess the Dr's do know best. I was told to quit it 2 years ago but had to eat so I didn't. I thought it was just general pain I'd have to live with. Recently had to go back to a Dr that I had seen in the past. He said quit NOW or no more meds.