I am in the same boat as you, to a teeThat's me! Degrative disc disease, three herniated discs, and moderate-severe arthritis from my saddle to my sombrero. Toss in severe cervical and sciatic nerve damage for good measure. Hard work won't kill ya, but it'll make you wish you were dead.
Oxies and beer on an empty stomach is the only relief I can get, but my drug supply is finite, and I don't really like taking any kind of pharmaceuticals. Grin/wince and bear it, I guess.