Hi, thanks for writing to HCM. Your MRI scan findings are suggestive of degenerative disc disease (wear & tear changes). There is nothing to panic about your condition, as it is treatable. The initial management of your condition is always by conservative methods as follows - - Usually 1-2 days of bed rest will calm down your severe back pain. Do not stay off your feet for longer, though. - Take rest breaks throughout the day, but avoid sitting for long periods of time. - Maintain optimum body weight,if you are obese - Avoid movements that can cause further pain, especially bending forward and lifting as it will worsen the disc protrusion. if you want to bend forwards, do it with your hips and knees flexed. - Use analgesics like advil or aleve and muscle relaxants to relieve pain and muscle spasm, as needed - After the initial pain has subsided, remedial exercises to strengthen the spine are very important to restore normal spinal movements and muscle strength. The main aim of exercise is to encourage mobility, reduce muscle spasm, prevent further deterioration in the muscles and speed recovery. Hope this information is helpful. Good day