My former doctor finally had me get an MRI in 2002 after 14 years of having what he said was a strained muscle. The MRI showed a bulging and a herniated disc and both were degenerating, L4-L5 L5-S1. My back used to go out on me a few times a year and in 2002 in went out as bad as when I first hurt it meaning I was crawling around the house. 2002 was also the year I started Olympic lifting and my back hasn't gone out on me since. I got shots but they didn't do anything but I know people who have had them and their pain went away. I would say get the shots they may help and don't stop lifting in my case that helped more then any shots. I don't know how old you are Jim but I'll be 59 this summer and hope to keep lifting till the end.
Paul
