Based on the MRI impression alone, it appears your father has multilevel lumbar degenerative changes, with the most significant problem at L4–L5, where there is disc herniation, ligament thickening, and nerve compression. He also has Grade I L4–L5 spondylolisthesis, which may contribute to spinal instability. These findings can certainly cause severe back pain and leg pain. However, MRI findings alone are not enough to decide on surgery. The decision depends on his symptoms, neurological examination, walking capacity, muscle weakness, bowel/bladder symptoms, and whether he has improved with appropriate conservative treatment. If he has progressive weakness, severe nerve compression symptoms, difficulty walking due to neurogenic claudication, or persistent disabling pain despite adequate conservative treatment, then surgery may indeed be the appropriate option.

This shows multiple levels of diffuse disc bulges … as the patient is elderly you’ll have to consult the doctor for surgical fitness.. These should be addressed with discectomy , laminectomy and pedicle screw fixation .. But for now you can try strengthening and nerve supplements wait for At least 4-6 weeks before deciding for surgery

Can try conservative treatment with medications, rest and activity modifications followed by physiotherapy If no improvement can plan surgery after 3 weeks

Get personalised consultation done, get 2nd opinion from some one you would trust completely.

No operation at this age

Medicine Precautions Activity modification Diclofenac gel Heat therapy If no improvement after 3 weeks then go for surgery