<human>: My MRI shows: L3/L4: 4.5mm diffuse disc bulge & annular fissure with mild stenosis due to disc bulge. L4/L5: Severe central canal stenosis due to 10mm posterocentral disc extrusion and 13mm cranial migration. Indentation on bilateral L5 traversing nerve roots. Moderate bilateral neural foraminal stenosis due to disc bulge. Is there anything that can be done without surgery...or is surgery the best route? If surgery is needed, what type of surgery?
<bot>: Hello, The need for surgery is assessed based on the neurological deficits that the compression is causing. If it is causing any weakness then surgery is definitely recommended. If pain is uncontrolled then also surgery can be considered. Other methods of treatment are strict bed rest and physical therapies. Sometimes injections at the local area can also give prolonged relief. The type of surgery is determined by the location of the disc bulge. Basically the part of disc which is compressing on the nerves is cut and removed. Good luck.