question: QUESTION FOR ORTHOPEDIC CONSULTANT. Hi, I have been suffering from acute lower back pain and sciatica for a long time now. I am also unable to lie on my side as I get an ache and discomfort at the side of my thighs. I have had an MRI scan which reads : Reduced disc height and signal at L5/S1 with acute endplate stress changes. There is grade 1 degenerative retrolisthesis at this level. At L5/S1 there is a circumferential disc bulge but no significant foraminal stenosis or neural compression. What is the best course of treatment you would recommend please as the pain has made my life very debilitating. Many thanks. Donata