I have two bulging disc, L4-5 and L5-S1. Probably stenosis as well but I have been living with it for 15 years now. PT and exercise works wonders. Also if the pain gets to be too much you can have steroid injections, a set of three. Those helped me tremendously to get over the inflammation back on track with exercise. they usually last me 4 years before it gets to the point I need more. I have seen too many failed back surgeries to want to jump in and have it done.