This is my mri conclusion. Mild central canal stenosis at L4/5 due to a very shallow broadbased disc bulge, congenitally short pedicles and mild facet joint degenerative change. There is a severe left neural foraminal narrowing at L5/S1 with loss of perineural fat surrounding the exiting left L5 nerve root.I started with lower back pain and numbness from the top of my left leg over 3 - 4 years ago. Had a course of physio, didn t help. I ve been on pain killers the past 2 years, now I can t stand or walk for more than 5-10mins because of pain down my left side to my foot and a good nights sleep is non existent. I m still waiting for an appt to see a specialist as to what the mri results mean for me. Does this report mean surgery? I m a 51 yr old female.