explanation please

i had mri of lumber spine in january...these are the findings

L3/L4 posterior disc bulge with mild central canal and mild bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis
L4/L5 broad based posteriot disc bulge with central canal stenosis. no significant neuroforaminal stenosis is identified

impression: mild degenerative disc disease as noted above

what does this mean and what are the treatments???

[kittyluv1]

Welcome to the Back and Neck Community.  Members are here to provide assistance and support to individuals experiencing symptoms related to possible abnormal conditions of the spine.  Advice given is non-professional and is primarily based on personal experiences.

Your MRI results indicate some disc degeneration at the L3-L4 and L4-L5 lumbar spine levels.  Disc degeneration occurs as a matter of wear and tear on the spine as we age.  It can also be caused by direct trauma to the affected areas.
L3-L4 has a disc bulge (intervertebral disc is the cushion between the vertebrae that helps with movement of the spine).  There is mild central canal and mild bilateral neuroforaminal stenosis.  This refers to a narrowing of the openings through which the spinal cord (central canal) and the spinal nerve roots (neuroforaminal) travel and provide sensation to the specific body parts they serve,
L4-L5 has another disc bulge with central canal narrowing, but no neuroforaminal narrowing at this level.
If the narrowing becomes significant to compress the nerves, you could experience low back pain accompanied by radiation of the pain down your leg and possible tingling/numbness of the leg/foot.
The report does not indicate nerve compression at this time,  However, the narrowing of the canal can be producing symptoms of low back pain at these levels.
Mild degenerative changes of your discs if symptomatic can be treated conservatively with medications and physical therapy.  A home program of back strengthening exercises would be beneficial as well.
Please discuss the available treatment options with your treating physician.
Post again with your progress and with any additional questions/concerns you may have.
Best wishes -----