Hi, Thanks for writing in. There is degeneration of lumbar spine disc between L 5 - S 1. Dessication of disc implies loss of water content. There is resulting annular tear in the disc causing central disc bulge between the bones L 5 and S 1. The nerve roots pass through these neural foramina and you might have severe nerve root compression at that level. The nerve pain may be controlled with restricted physical activity and pain relief medication. Please do not do heavy physical activity till you are comfortable. Surgery is indicated because the tear may be large and pain is not responsive to medications taken for few months. You may try non surgical methods of treatment like physiotherapy, anti inflammatory and muscle relaxant ointments and medications to relieve neurogenic pains. Surgery involves removing part of the herniating or torn disc. This can also be done by laser assisted surgery these days.