Why was I never told about spinal health when I was younger?

I too am 70 yrs young. I never knew I had severe scoliosis until I turned 28. While working in restaurants, I did alot of lifting and twisting. Mopping floors, cooking, waiting on tables etc. made me start to have some back issues. When I finally went to a doctor ( ortho surgeon) I was informed I needed spine surgery which meant rods throughout my spine. Thankfully I said no at the time. I continued to be active- skiing, hiking, biking, etc. I have had MRI's through the years to follow my deterioration. (I even worked at an MRI facility) I currently walk my dogs 3-4 miles every morning, no skiing , but continue to garden, and hike. Pain hits me sometimes on my left flank and hips, and it seems to get worse with time. I could not touch my toes since I was about 50 but I did create a shower in my house that will accommodate a wheelchair when I need it. I do not take any pain meds but rather try to stretch my body when the pain hits. I can be walking and will need to squat down to relieve some pressure. Do not look forward to surgery, especially at this time in my life but it may be a reality soon. Also have been to PT so many times I have stopped counting. Never seemed to help.
Even dry needling. Currently I get most relief from massage once a month - no insurance does not cover this or I might go more often. I too wonder what is the right thing to do. I have also been to different doctors through the years. Even had one ask me why I was there. Never went back to him but with such different doctor opinions I have to rely on my ability to know myself and figure out when is the right time for surgery, if ever. There is "no" one answer.

Not silly. I’ve been having epidurals in my spine, sometimes yearly, sometimes every 3 or 5 years, since my 40s. On MRI things kept getting worse (stenosis, spondylothesis, etc.) was anything more then epidurals suggested? Besides, PT, of course, which I did/do. When I asked earlier this year I was told no, now that the pain is in my legs it’s too late for that. Talk about having to advocate for oneself, but how could I advocate when I didn’t know the options. I pretty much accept this is the way it is, but it is frustrating and disappointing that a doc who I thought was caring for me never offered options, nor did I know to ask for them. My advancing scoliosis seen on MRI has never, ever been discussed with me. Guess my doc isn’t as good as I thought

Anyhow, as posted before, my surgery is put off while increasing bone density. So I am going to see a UCSF physician, and possibly a neurosurgeon, since I’m not sure who is best to pursue surgery with, for second and third opinions. I continue to do my weight lifting, biking, and whatever activity I can with the pain my my lower let from the now severe spinal stenosis.

Thanks for letting me vent. It is very frustrating.

Oh, I forgot to add, I’m 72 and very active. I’d still be running except for the leg pain.