Hi, You appear to have degenerative spine disease which is causing compression of the nerve roots due to the disc coming out from its normal position. This is causing symptoms of sciatica in you as suggested by numbness and tingling in your legs. Abnormality of balance suggest dysfunction of the dorsal column of the spinal cord which is involved in maintaining proprioception (joint position sense in space) but this should be above the L1 level because the spinal cord ends at the L1-L2 level. Abnormality in balance can also be due to normal pressure hydrocephalus if you are elderly. I think there is compression on your spinal cord or nerve roots which needs to be taken care of on an urgent basis. You need to undergo an MRI lumbosacral spine with the screening of the whole spine and brain. Only then we can decide whether you need surgical intervention or not. Regarding cauda equina syndrome, the hallmark is urinary symptoms (inability to pass urine or dribbling of urine) along with asymmetric weakness of lower limbs. In most cases, history is of a small duration. Long duration in your case may suggest long-standing compression with or without myelopathy (changes in the spinal cord). At present, you need to take rest, use a lumbar corset during, standing, walking, and sitting but not during lying on bed or couch. Take pain-killers and muscle relaxants for 5-7 days and start lumbar extension exercises. Simultaneously start Gabapentin / Pregabalin with methylcobalamin for 6 weeks minimum along with calcium supplementation. Avoid strenuous activities, forward bending, and lifting heavy weight. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Kaushal Deep Singh, General Surgeon