In 2010 I was told something similar by my Neurosuegeon. He said that I would end up in a wheelchair if I continued my line of work.
I have disc degeneration, bilateral facet arthropy, and several disc bulges around L3 and L4.
I opted for surgery but the insurance plan I was on denied the procedure because it was too expensive, it was experimental, and at the time, I was too young. I have been dealing with back pain almost daily for over 10 years now.
I sincerely hope this is true!