I'd like to understand my MRI results a little before visiting the doctor.

Question

IMPRESSION:

- Normal vertebral alignment and marrow signal without evidence for spondylolisthesis, marrow infiltration or compression fracture.

- L1-2, bilobed disc bulge with 2 mm left paramedian focal protrusion. Mild facet arthropathy. Mild left lateral recess narrowing. No central canal stenosis. Mild neural foramen stenosis bilaterally.

- L2-3, mild bilobed disc bulge with mild facet arthropathy and mild lateral recess narrowing. No central canal stenosis. Moderate left and mild right neural foramen stenosis.

- L3-4, severe right-sided disc desiccation with mild facet arthropathy. Severe right and moderate left lateral recess narrowing. Mild central canal stenosis. Severe right and moderate left neural foramen stenosis.

- L4-5, broad disc bulge eccentric to the left with moderate left and mild right facet arthropathy. Severe left and mild right lateral recess narrowing. Mild central canal stenosis. Severe left and moderate right neural foramen stenosis.

- L5-S1, mild disc bulge with mild facet arthropathy. No central canal stenosis or lateral recess narrowing. Mild neural foramen stenosis bilaterally. I'd rather not live on pain meds, and I won't consider back surgery.  Any wisdom? thank you,