<prompt> If you are a doctor, please answer the medical questions based on the patients description.Hi, I have been having back pain since 10 days and just know got an MRI the MRI says disc desiccation with an anular disc bulge and a left paracentral disc protrusion with an anular tear minimally displace the left S1 nerve root , create minimal bilateral neural foraminal narrowing and minimal central canal stenosis at L5-S1. I m a software engineer and I can barely walk, sit, stand for long periods of time without being in pain and I have trouble sleeping due to all the pain as well. Would surgery be the best thing to do and willshould I continue to do my job with all this pain?  <response>: Dear Ms You have pain because of annular tear in the cartilage and disc bulge compressing nerve. However, pain by itself may not be indication for surgery. I suggest you for the following: a Have a review by neurologist weather there is any neurological deficit or not b Your doctor may consider pain relieving medicines, rest and physiotherapy e.g. short wave diathermy etc. c If we fail and your symptoms are still severe, surgery may be considered. Protein 