Question about severity of DDD and MRI results

[critters1972]

I have had chronic back pain (sciatica) for 5 and a half years. It would come and go, but each flare up would seem to be getting worse and worse. The last time I had a flare up was May of 2016 and it has never gone away (Feb 2017 now). After many doctors visits and ER visits due to the extreme pain, I finally received a referral to a neurosurgeon who ordered an MRI.

My MRI stated that I have facet arthropathy. However, it states that I have a "large (over 2cm in width)  broad based L5-s1 disc herniation/extrusion centered in a right paramedian location. This severely narrows the central and right half of the spinal canal. There is likely effacement of the right s1 and s2 nerve roots. Mild far left lateral l4-l5 disc bulging that mildly narrows the left sided neural foramen. This may abut but does not displace the existing l4 nerve root."

What does this mean in laymen terms?  All my primary care physician stated in that I can expect to be out of work for over a year and that is is "very bad". The neurosurgeon seems to be downplaying the severity and  wants to start with epidural steroid injections. If it is as severe as what my PCP indicated, what exactly am I looking at here? Surgery? I know everyone heals and recovers at different rates, but I have no idea what I am even up against.

Basically, I am wondering if the MRI indicates that it is as severe as what my PCP has indicated. Or is it really not that bad like the neurosurgeon is attempting to make me feel like? My PCP immediately pulled me out of work and stated that if I do any more damage, it could potentially cause permanent damage and to "do absolutely nothing." Pain (deep and stabbing) radiates down my leg with a pins and needles sensation all the way down the leg into the bottom of the foot. I can not stand or sit for a half an hour without pain and spasms. There really is no comfortable position. Someone please help!