L4 & 5 vertebrae narrowing

[Betts]

I recently had an MRI because of some odd nerve sensations in my right leg. My Doc about had a heart attack when I told her my right foot didn't pick up like it used to so she ordered the MRI. This is what the report said: THe most significant abnormalities are at L4-L5 with some anterolisthesis of L4 over L5. This leads to moderate narrowing of the left lateral recess potentially affecting the L5 root.
There are also a couple of bulging discs and a 5 mm diameter fluid density lesion in the posterior aspect of the L5 vertebra. Probably related to degeneratve change, they say.
Of course, since I know all this, I am experiencing more discomfort, numbness, etc., etc. in my right and actually also my left leg, lower back discomfort. My Dr. recommended seeing a neuro surgeon because she is very worried about me having to wear a brace the rest of my life due to nerve damage. I said no. I want to see a neurologist first. I figure if a surgeon is getting paid to be a surgeon he or she will recommend I have surgery.
My questions are: Is this situation really as serious as my Dr. makes it out to be? If so, is surgery the only treatment for the narrowing issue? I am a firm believer is alternative medicine so if there are other therapies I want to pursue that avenue. My fear is that if my dr. is right in her panicked response, will I end up with permanent nerve damage while searching for other options/treatment?
Thanks in advance for addressing my questions and concerns.
Betts

[MG (Admin)]

This leads to moderate narrowing of the left lateral recess potentially affecting the L5 root.

The answer is not clear-cut whether the L5 root is compressed. If this is not certain then it may be worth getting examined by a neurologist to check for other potential causes of "foot drop" which may have different features on examination.

In these situations where the diagnosis of an L5 compression is not certain, an EMG / NCV is often performed to exclude for example a nerve problem in the peroneal nerve.

To summarize, I would not advise any panic as there seems no need, but I would say that you should take the above steps to be certain that there is an L5 root compression before you consider surgery.

Where do things stand at the moment?
Can you upload the relevant MRI image?