<s>[INST] My husband just retired work at a carton shop after 43 1/2 years.  When he sits in his chair for a any period of time he had to stand because of the intense burning with a little ppain. He has to sit on the edge of his chard which is not comfortable. Years ago a dr. told him that he had the back of an 80year old. Another Dr. told home he had so many bone spurs and some were big. What does he have and does he need to get a referral to see a neurosurgeon?  I understand he will need a MRI first. [/INST] Hi, I had gone through your question and understand your concerns If I were your treating Doctor for this case of severe back pain, I would come up with two possibilities, these include: The first possibility is Arthritic changes between the vertebrae(spindle degenerative changes) and this may be the cause of the bony spurs. The second possibility is disc herniation, but this usually cause articular pain in the lower limb. I prefer doing MRI lumbosacral spine, wearing lumbosacral belt a, bed rest and some medications as NSAID and muscle relaxant. </s>