As far as treatment or future pain go that's pretty hard to say, how old are you? one thing i would say is try to keep as active as you can, if you can exercise without aggravating your condition it should slow down disease progression, you may have to use trial and error here, walking, swimming ,yoga, and Pilate's, if it hurts and makes you worse don't do it, you should also clear any exercise with your doctor or surgeon.
You probably have three options, surgery you may not be bad enough for this but you still need through evaluation from a good orthopedic or neurosurgeon.
some kind of therapy physio or chiro, it is vital that you see a good one, see if you can get a recommendation from someone who has good judgement, because you have some disk problems and arthritis recovery may be limited, again you may have to use trial and error .
pain management, again its vital that you see someone good.
Its not simple or easy, be patient, and persistent, try to use good judgment and not wishful thinking, as far as surgery goes, get a second opinion before going under the knife, and be suspicious of therapists who twist your arm, or remind you of a pushy salesperson.
good luck akbear
