Hi, As mentioned by you, i can understand that there is possibility of Lumbar spine disc degenerative disease. Also, undergoing an MRI is the recommendation to understand the level of compression and then you can be helped by a physical therapist. Using the Therapeutic Ultrasound therapy and TENS therapy will help reduce inflammation and pain. Also, post that strengthening the muscles of the spine, core, pelvic floor and lower limbs will help for controlling the symptoms and recovery also. Cortisone and predisone are the secondary lines of action. For any pinched nerve there is a safest way to practice 1. Assess the patient and make provisional diagnosis 2. confirm the diagnosis using the radiology - like MRI scan 3. Rest - sleeping on a hard surface and avoid bending 4. Physical therapy - Electrotherapy & Exercises 5. Cortisone 6. Surgery. Now, taking cortisone will help reduce your pain, but the actual pain will be present, since cortisone will only block the sensory pathway to the brain and possibility of pain to come back are there after cortisone. Also, cortisone is a steroid, so steroid has its own side effects with are unknown, and i will personally do not advise to undergo cortisone. I will advice to undergo physical therapy, though it will be a slow process but there are no side effects. If physical therapy fails in 12 weeks then the cortisone is advised, Also, in my daily practice i have seen patient with lumbar spine disc degenerative disease, and all have been helped with the following protocol 1. Rest 2. Physical therapy I wish you a good healthy future Regards Jay Indravadan Patel