Welcome to Neuro Talk. Most of us came here for the same reasons...these not fun back issues. I am in no way a professional, just been here for a bit and had two spinal fusions myself.
Just a few impressions of your MRI. Most of the time if the language of the MRI says "Mild" or "moderate" the physicians try some alternative therapies before going into surgery. It is a great idea to go for another opinion or two.
You do have a mild compression or indenting on L 5-S1, on the roots. Any pressure at all on a root hurts. You also have that kind of mild compression on the L4 root. Again anything that presses on the root hurts.
Have you tried any therapies? Would like to know what you have tried so far. I know you have been in pain a long time. Anything like acupuncture?
Keep me posted on what the doctors say. Ginnie