Welcome to Neuro Talk. I had cervical issues, and that is what brought me to this site. Others will be along to welcome you here. Please feel free to go into other forumsand join into any dicussions. This is a caring and compassionate group we have here. I can tell you some things with my limited knowledge. I have been learning the last couple of years, due to my own cervical issues and to others. Several good things are said right away. There are some key words "Mild" and "Moderate". These two words alone should relax you just a bit. It is when they say SEVERE that you have to start to investigate alot more. You also have a moderate disk buldge. that means your disk at L4-5 is protruding a bit. It is not fully herniated. After talking it over with your doctor, I hope he will get you some PT and offer some help. A second opinion never hurts when it comes to your back. surgery should be the very last thing you think about. There are all kinds of therapy for back issues that work, and are not so invasive. Alot of your therapy will depend on the level of your pain. Try not to worry too much, but ask your doctor what his best advise would be. This sounds like you have some mild but not severe problems, and for that I am happy for you. You don't want surgery for mild conditions unless you had LOTS of doctors saying it was the only thing to do. I had three concur that my condition warrented a surgery. I do wish you all the best. You will be hearing from others. Also look up each word individually on the internet. The terms will start to make sense when you look them up. All the medical terms can be understood better and it should help to allieviate some of your fears. I wish you all the best. ginnie