### instruction:
If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patient's description.

### input:
I had a MRI and the results read Hey Belynda, Your exercise routine is attached to this message. To view the attachment, you ll need a PDF Viewer on your system. A free PDF Viewer can be installed using the link below. http://www.adobe.com With regards to your MRI the radiologist reports suggested - Impression: MODERATE DEGENERATIVE CHANGE EXTENDING FROM L3-L4 TO L5-S1, AS DESCRIBED, WITH POSSIBLE ABUTMENT OF THE EXITING L5 NERVE ROOT BY A SMALL OSSEOUS SPUR. Also at L5-S1 level - Apparent bilateral far lateral disc protrusion is present. No central canal stenosis. No right neural foraminal stenosis. back and schedule a L5-S1 TLIF from Left side.

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Hi, Thanks for writing in. The discs at levels L 3 - L 4, L 4 - L 5 and L 5 - S 1 show probable age related disc degenerative change with a bony spur at L 5 regions. The nerve roots at L 5 level is getting pinched and therefore the pain. This is mainly sued to the degenerative discs at that level causing pressure on the nerves on possibly the left side along the foramen though which they pass. Initially physiotherapy, avoiding excessive physical activities and taking over the counter painkillers help. If you do not get sufficient pain relief then taking neurogenic pain relievers and opioid medications might be required and these are prescription medications. If pain persists with more than a year even with adequate medications then the pinched nerve must be released with small surgical procedures. Laser assisted techniques are also available in some hospitals and clinics.