spondylolisthesis

I am a 50 yr old female diganosed with Bilateral spondylolysis of L5 with 7mm anterior spondylolisthesis of L5 on S1 sonsistent with braod based foraminal protrusion compressing exiting L5 nerve roots,
Left paramedian annular tear and broad based formaminal buldge without substantial stenosis L4/5 and
mild degenerative disc disease and bulge without stenosos L 3/4
Can you explain in english what this is and do I definatly need surgery?

[Michael L Gross, MD]

Due to degenerative changes in your spine, the L5 vertebral body has slipped forward on the S1 body. As a result of this along with the subsequent disc changes you have acquired spinal stenosis, or a narrowing of the spinal canal that houses the spinal cord. This usually causes pain in your legs when you are standing or walking, and is relieved when you sit.  If conservative management, oral and injected medication have failed to relieve toy symptoms,
then surgery may be necessary.