Hi ~ Maybe I can help a LITTLE -- the thickening of the facet joint COULD be from arthritis -- probably osteoarthritis-- at the L4-5 level. And the "bulging annulus" is a ring-like part at that same level and its mildly compressing the L4-5 nerve root as it enters the back part of L5.

There's also an "old" left central disc bulge at L5-S1 which causes slight displacement of the S1 nerve root. Both the above and this would cause pain and can account for the numbness in your leg.

Your neuro appt. would probably consist of him looking over your records/films, and then having you do some "movements" such as walking on your heels & toes, doing the "straight-leg" test, where you lay on your back on the table, and he raises your leg while it's straight until you tell him when it starts to hurt your back. They USED to do that all the time -- maybe they don't do that anymore. I don't know. He'll also test your reflexes, etc. There may be a few other things he'll do. Other than that, that's about it probably.

Then he'll tell you what he advises. DO NOT jump into surgery, if he advises it, although I doubt he will. Surgery should be a LAST resort, after ALL conservative methods have been tried.

I wish you the very best. Let us know what happens. God bless. Hugs, Lee