Lower Back Pain: Insights on Disc Issues and Recovery - Orthopedics

Lumbar issues?

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Hello, Doctor! I apologize for bothering you.
I am very worried (wondering if my life will be ruined by myself 😭, as I have heard different opinions from three doctors, I would like to ask for your perspective.)
Here’s the situation: About three years ago, while working, I had to lift an object weighing around ten kilograms (or less), but instead of squatting down, I used my back to lift it, which caused a sudden discomfort in my lower back (it felt uncomfortable and somewhat painful, like a dislocation, but it quickly returned to normal).
I immediately squatted down, and within two seconds, I felt fine again.
That was the only incident at the time, and I didn’t experience any symptoms afterward.
Last year, while moving something (weighing about ten kilograms), I again did not fully squat and used my back to lift it, resulting in a similar discomfort in my lower back.
I squatted down again, and within three seconds, I felt normal again.
After that, I didn’t think much about it since there were no other symptoms.
Earlier this year, while coming down from a small step, I experienced the same discomfort, but again, after squatting down, it resolved in about three seconds.
Later, during the Lunar New Year, I maintained a habit of jogging, running about 15 laps almost every day without any discomfort.
However, after returning to work, I’m not sure if it was due to not resting properly or the fact that I was running around every holiday, but within a month, I experienced that discomfort 3 to 4 times.
Each time, squatting down provided relief.
I vaguely remember one instance at Taipei Station when I rushed up the stairs (I often run up the stairs), another time while running on the street, and once when I simply raised my hand to give a piece of paper to a train driver, which triggered the discomfort.
The last time was when I was rushing up the stairs to catch a train for work; I almost felt the discomfort but it didn’t fully manifest.
I usually sense the discomfort a few seconds before it happens, and it doesn’t take long to feel uncomfortable.
After the last incident, I felt like my lower back was in a dislocated state.
Although it didn’t hurt, it felt unstable without support.
That day, I visited a rehabilitation specialist, and the doctor took X-rays, which showed some wear on the bones and narrowing of two vertebrae due to pressure.
The doctor mentioned the possibility of acute disc herniation and prescribed anti-inflammatory medication and muscle relaxants, recommending shortwave therapy, traction, and electrical therapy.
Since that day, I have not run, jumped, or lifted heavy objects.
Due to the lower temperatures in Yilan, my lower back has become somewhat sensitive to temperature changes, feeling tighter and stiffer.
After six rehabilitation sessions, I improved significantly.
To confirm my condition, I visited another rehabilitation doctor, who told me that my lumbar vertebrae showed signs of degeneration and wear, advising me not to bend over.
He did not mention disc herniation and recommended continued rehabilitation and avoiding heavy lifting.
After returning to Kaohsiung, I visited an orthopedic clinic again and had another X-ray.
After listening to my account, the doctor suggested it was likely a muscle strain, stating that since I didn’t have soreness or numbness, it probably wasn’t a disc herniation.
Even if it were, it likely wasn’t pressing on any nerves.
I asked if I could get an MRI, but the doctor indicated that an MRI would only be useful if there were symptoms present, suggesting that after some rehabilitation, I could return to normal activities.
I am feeling quite anxious because I don’t know whom to trust.
I am considering paying out of pocket for an MRI.
If there is a disc herniation, what should I do? I still want to run and do push-ups, but since seeing the doctor, I have only been walking.
I have become overly cautious about many things I used to overlook (like being careful of potholes while riding a bike).

Note: I am an employee of Taiwan Railways, and I have had a habit of jumping onto the platform during my years of work, but since seeing the doctor, I have stopped running or jumping and only walk.
If you have time, could you please help clarify my concerns? Thank you! I am really worried about the possibility of a disc herniation 😖.
Thank you!

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Mr. Wang, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/25