I have 3 slipped discs in my lower back. After suffering great pain for years, I finally went to a back specialist. He took x-rays and discovered I had a curvature of my spine and told me there was nothing to be done for it, but definitely warned me against surgery.
After my fall, my back was broken, but strangely is no longer painful, although I've had to give up driving or being able to go for my usual walks.