Hi ~ You do have disc problems ~ some herniations. They are NOT posing any problems for your spinal cord, In the cervical spine, there is no compromise in the nerve roots, but on L5-S1, the exiting left nerve root is compromised. On L5-S1 you also have a herniation and disc dehydration.

I would ask my doctor to send me to a Neurosurgeon ONLY for an opinion - not necessarily for surgery. You should have AT LEAST 3 opinions before making ANY decision about surgery.

Personally, I would NOT opt for surgery, but would stay conservative. Since your spinal cord is NOT being compromised, I would opt for physical therapy and pain management. Surgery does NOT help pain but only corrects mechanical problems. You would probably still have the pain after surgery that you have now, and possibly worse. Also, surgery begets surgery. Somewhere down the line, you would need more surgery. Whenever one has spinal surgery it almost always causes you to have more surgery later. The levels that were operated on cause the levels above or below to take on more of the load, and then THEY fail and you're back in the opoerating room.

So if you can, stay conservative - but you should see a neurosurgeon to be safe. God bless and best of luck. Take care. Hugs, Lee