I just got my lower back x-ray results back, I need help understanding?

Question

My Doctor called me a few hours ago and told me about my x-ray results. His first phone call he was telling me that everything was normal. He also said something about degenerate disc or something to that effect. So I was confused and decided to call him back to ask him to repeat it to me. He said that the x-ray was normal, but I had some disc space narrowing in the L-5, he also said that I was probably born with it. Well now I am really confused because I have no idea what that means. I posted a question earlier and everyone that answered said I should have an MRI, but my Doctor disagreed and said that I need to go to PT for 4 more weeks and if I still have pain then he will do the MRI. I do have pain in my lower back, but the pains in my legs are severely worse. I have been staying as active as I can because I was told by my PT not to stay on bed rest. However there is not much I can do without the nagging pains. I have shock like feelings every once in a while, but then I get this shooting pain from my buttock down both of my legs pretty much all day. I am really lost i have never had these kind of issues. If anyone can help me understand the X-ray I would greatly appreciate. Also maybe you could shed some light on the leg pains... Thanks so much!

Answer 1

Though I am not a Doctor, I am a person going through the same thing. My best relief comes from advil, and cold compresses, 20 minutes on and so on, Heat done the same way is sometimes effective. I tried both to figure out the best for myself.

Answer 2

you have degenerative disc disease in the lower back:L5 means Lumbar area(of the spine) vertebra #5

Google this:inter-vertebral disc disease, or:degenerative disc disease.

It causes you to have shooting pain in the legs, because the sciatic nerve is being compressed/pinched.

It is a very common problem, and yes, you should have an MRI.

Physio therapy helps, but will not cure it:I have a dog who had surgery 3months ago.