Need help understanding MRI results while waiting for the neurosurgeon that I am being refered to contact me. It states under Impression: Degenerative changes involving the discovertebral and facet joints at L4-5 with a broad based disc protrusion centrally and to the left and a synovial cyst on the right. Resultant mild to moderate spinal canal stenosis centrally. A moderate degree of lateral recess stenosis on the right which should probably involve the L5 nerve root if symptomatic. Mild lateral recess stenosis on the left as well. It is scary not know and I am in severe pain while waiting for the doctor. My primary has prescribed percocet after trying hydrocodone and these are not helping. There have been a couple of days that I have been able to walk without assistance since this started almost a month ago. I am just 41 and do not want to live life like this. Please help ease my mind with a little knowledge of what some of this means.